bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Contract Type on Service Provider Information Requirements
Authors: Cuthbert Rachel , McFarlane Duncan , Neely Andy
Published: September 2012

This paper is concerned with the role of information in the servitization of manufacturing which has led to “the innovation of an organisation’s capabilities and processes as equipment manufacturers seek to offer services around their products” (Neely, 2009; Baines et al., 2009). This evolution has resulted in an information requirement (IR) shift as companies move from discrete provision of equipment and spare parts to long-term service contracts guaranteeing prescribed performance levels. Organisations providing such services depend on a very high level of availability and quality of information throughout the service life-cycle (Menor et al., 2002). This work focuses on whether, for a proposed contract based around complex equipment, the Information System is capable of providing information at an acceptable quality and requires the IRs to be examined in a formal manner. The authors apply a service information framework (Cuthbert et al., 2008; McFarlane & Cuthbert, 2012) to methodically assess IRs for different contract types to understand the information gap between them. Results from case examples indicate that this gap includes information required for the different contract types and a set of contract-specific IRs. Furthermore, the control, ownership and use of information differs across contract types as the boundary of operation and responsibility changes.
Typology for Modular Service Design
Authors: Tuunanen Tuure , Bask Anu , Merisalo-Rantanen Hilkka
Published: September 2012

This paper presents a typology for modular service design. The authors review engineering, manufacturing, and service research literature and develop three key concepts for service modularization: service module, service architecture, and service experience. Thereafter these key concepts are further decomposed into detailed constructs. Basing on the reviewed literature, they develop a common typology for modular services. The authors argue that their typology provides a foundation for the development of modular service design methods. The authors also expect that it is important to recognize how customers perceive the service. They propose that service experiences can be characterized by value creation, role perception, personalization, and task complexity and by how the customers experience the particular services.
Holding Our Breath: The Emerging and Anticipated Roles of microRNA in Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: White Kevin , Loscalzo Joseph , Chan Stephen Y.
Published: September 2012

Over the past decade, the importance of non‐coding RNA such as microRNA has been established in numerous processes that drive human pathogenesis. These crucial molecular regulators modulate networks of target gene transcripts that, in turn, orchestrate cellular phenotypes such as cell survival, differentiation, proliferation, and metabolism among others and thus affect cardiopulmonary vascular disease conditions. Many of these same pathophenotypes figure prominently in the complex pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension, an enigmatic vascular disorder characterized by a histological panvasculopathy and driven by disparate upstream triggers such as hypoxia, inflammation, and bone morphogenetic protein signaling. Yet, the importance of just a few microRNAs in pulmonary hypertension has been recognized, and we are only beginning to understand the integrative functions of these molecules in this disease. By combining systems biology with traditional experimental approaches, more direct insight into the pleiotropy of microRNA should not only further reveal the spectrum of molecular pathways that cause pulmonary hypertension, but also offer novel and much needed diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Pulmonary Blood Flow and Pulmonary Hypertension: Is the Pulmonary Circulation Flowophobic or Flowophilic?
Authors: Kulik Thomas J.
Published: September 2012

Increased pulmonary blood flow (PBF) is widely thought to provoke pulmonary vascular obstructive disease (PVO), but the impact of wall shear stress in the lung is actually poorly defined. We examined information from patients having cardiac lesions which impact the pulmonary circulation in distinct ways, as well as experimental studies, asking how altered hemodynamics impact the risk of developing PVO. Our results are as follows: (1) with atrial septal defect (ASD; increased PBF but low PAP), shear stress may be increased but there is little tendency to develop PVO; (2) with normal PBF but increased pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR; mitral valve disease) shear stress may also be increased but risk of PVO still low; (3) with high PVR and PBF (e.g., large ventricular septal defect), wall shear stress is markedly increased and the likelihood of developing PVO is much higher than with high PBF or PAP only; and (4) with ASD, experimental and clinical observations suggest that increased PBF plus another stimulus (e.g., endothelial inflammation) may be required for PVO. We conclude that modestly increased wall shear stress (e.g., ASD) infrequently provokes PVO, and likely requires other factors to be harmful. Likewise, increased PAP seldom causes PVO. Markedly increased wall shear stress may greatly increase the likelihood of PVO, but we cannot discriminate its effect from the combined effects of increased PAP and PBF. Finally, the age of onset of increased PAP may critically impact the risk of PVO. Some implications of these observations for future investigations are discussed.
Comparison of 18F‐FDG uptake by Right Ventricular Myocardium in Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Associated with Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Fang Wei , Zhao Lan , Xiong Chang‐Ming , Ni Xin‐Hai , He Zuo‐Xiang , He Jian‐Guo , Wilkins Martin R.
Published: September 2012

This study measured glucose uptake in the right ventricle (RV) of patients with pulmonary hypertension and investigated the relationship to hemodynamics and survival. Myocardial 18F‐fluorodeoxy‐glucose (FDG) uptake was measured using single‐photon positron emission tomography (SPECT) in 24 patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) and 43 patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). In both IPAH and CHD‐PAH, RV FDG uptake (RV/LV ratio) was associated with pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). A second SPECT scan was performed in nine patients after 6 months treatment with sildenafil. PVR decreased from 1683±426 to 1207±383 dyn s−1 cm−5 (P < 0.05) and cardiac index improved from 2.2±0.2 to 2.8±0.5 L/min/m2 (P < 0.01). RV/LV FDG uptake decreased from 1.28±0.32 before treatment to 0.99±0.23 (P < 0.05). Survival in the IPAH group with a baseline RV/LV FDG uptake greater than the median value of 1.20 was significantly lower than that of the group with RV/LV FDG uptake below 1.20 (log‐rank test, P < 0.05). In contrast, baseline RV/LV FDG was of little informative value in CHD. FDG uptake by the RV reflects the severity of PVR in PAH. Increased RV FDG uptake is a marker of poor prognosis in IPAH and is reduced in patients receiving effective therapy. It could prove useful in the early clinical assessment of novel therapies for PAH.
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing Reveals Onset of Disease and Response to Treatment in a Case of Heritable Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Trip Pia , Vonk‐Noordegraaf Anton , Bogaard Harm Jan
Published: September 2012

Patients affected by pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) show a typical pattern of abnormalities on cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). However, CPET is not routinely used as a screening method. We discuss a patient with hereditary PAH in whom CPET revealed onset of disease. Furthermore, we show that the abnormalities observed can improve in part by PAH‐specific treatment.
Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy after Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Cork David P. , Mehrotra Amit K. , Gomberg‐Maitland Mardi
Published: September 2012

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a fatal disease. Intravenous prostanoids are often utilized for long‐term management of patients. The therapy requires a significant commitment and change in lifestyle for both the patient and family. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, transient apical ballooning syndrome, has been reported in association with emotional and physical stress. This case report describes a patient with pulmonary arterial hypertension who developed Takotsubo cardiomyopathy after treatment initiation with intravenous treprostinil. Over time, the syndrome resolved and the patient had return of normal left ventricular function. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy should be recognized as a potential, rare complication of therapy initiation due to the severity of the illness and the emotional stress of the disease.
Case Report Medical Eponyms
Authors: Guptha Munugoor Baskaran L.N. , Greco P.J. , Kaelber D.C.
Published: September 2012

Medical eponyms are medical words derived from people’s names. Eponyms, especially similar sounding eponyms, may be confusing to people trying to use them because the terms themselves do not contain physiologically descriptive words about the condition they refer to. Through the use of electronic health records (EHRs), embedded applied clinical informatics tools including synonyms and pick lists that include physiologically descriptive terms associated with any eponym appearing in the EHR can significantly enhance the correct use of medical eponyms. Here we describe a case example of two similar sounding medical eponyms – Wegener’s disease and Wegner’s disease – which were confused in our EHR. We describe our solution to address this specific example and our suggestions and accomplishments developing more generalized approaches to dealing with medical eponyms in EHRs. Integrating brief physiologically descriptive terms with medical eponyms provides an applied clinical informatics opportunity to improve patient care.
Application of DVC-FISH method in tracking Escherichia coli in drinking water distribution networks
Authors: Mezule L. , Larsson S. , Juhna T.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. Sporadic detection of live (viable) Escherichia coli in drinking water with molecular methods but not with standard plate counts has raised concerns about the reliability of this indicator in the surveillance of drinking water safety. Previous studies have shown that in low numbers metabolically active E. coli can be found in the biofilm of drinking water. The aim of this study was to analyse the distribution of non-cultivable E. coli in the drinking water distribution system meeting microbiological quality standards and evaluate the importance of the biofilm as its harbour. In total 24 biofilm samplings and 40 at least 100 times pre-concentrated water samples were taken over a period of two years from two water treatment plants (surface water and groundwater) and four locations in water distribution network of a large city. Cultivable, total and able to divide (viable) E. coli concentration was measured in all samples. The results showed that none of the network biofilm samples contained cultivable E. coli and less than two cells per 10 l were detected in the pre-concentrated water samples. However, almost all of the samples contained viable E. coli in the range of 1–50 cells per litre or cm2 which represented approximately 53% of all E. coli detected. The amount of viable E. coli was higher in the biofilm after surface water treatment when compared to the outlet from the groundwater plant and the number tended to increase from both treatment plants further into the network irrespective of the season. In conclusion, E. coli in the water supply is not necessarily directly linked to recent faecal contamination and tends to accumulate in the networks where it is less exposed to disinfectants. Thus it can be accepted that biofilm formation in the drinking water distribution networks increases the risk of accumulation of viable but not cultivable E. coli in the system.
Catchment classification based on characterisation of streamflow and precipitation time-series
Authors: Toth E.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. The formulation of objective procedures for the delineation of homogeneous groups of catchments is a fundamental issue in both operational and research hydrology. For assessing catchment similarity, a variety of hydrological information may be considered; in this paper, gauged sites are characterised by a set of streamflow signatures that include a representation, albeit simplified, of the properties of fine time-scale flow series and in particular of the dynamic components of the data, in order to keep into account the sequential order and the stochastic nature of the streamflow process. The streamflow signatures are provided in input to a clustering algorithm based on unsupervised SOM neural networks, providing an overall reasonable grouping of catchments on the basis of their hydrological response. In order to assign ungauged sites to such groups, the catchments are represented through a parsimonious set of morphometric and pluviometric variables, including also indexes that attempt to synthesize the variability and correlation properties of the precipitation time-series, thus providing information on the type of weather forcing that is specific to each basin. Following a principal components analysis, needed for synthesizing and better understanding the morpho-pluviometric catchment properties, a discriminant analysis finally classifies the ungauged catchments, through a leave-one-out cross-validation, to one of the above identified hydrologic response classes. The approach delivers quite satisfactory results for ungauged catchments, since the comparison of the two cluster sets shows an acceptable overlap. Overall results indicate that the inclusion of information on the properties of the fine time-scale streamflow and rainfall time-series may be a promising way for better representing the hydrologic and climatic character of the study catchments.
Mechanical effect of mélange-induced buttressing on embayment-terminating glacier dynamics
Authors: Seneca Lindsey D. , Dupont T. K.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. Embayment terminating glaciers interact dynamically with seasonal sea ice and icebergs, a mixture we refer to as mélange. For certain glaciers, mélange prevents calved bergs from rotating away from the front, thus allowing the ice front to advance into the embayment. Here we demonstrate that mélange can, if rigid enough, provide sufficient buttressing to reduce the calving rate, while leaving the ice-front velocity largely unaffected. The net result is additional ice-front advance. Observations indicate a seasonal advance/retreat cycle has occurred at Jakobshavn Isbræ since the 1950s. We model an idealized Jakobshavn Isbræ-like scenario and find that mélange may be responsible for a seasonal ice-front advance of up to 0.6 km. These results come from a model that incorporates mélange into the interior of the domain, includes relevant stresses, and models drag via a kinematic boundary condition. A weakening or loss of mélange due to increasing temperatures would lead to further mass loss from glaciers such as Jakobshavn Isbræ.
Effects of Inoculation by Bradyrhizobium japonicum Strains on Nodulation, Nitrogen Fixation, and Yield of Soybean (Glycine max L. Merill) Varieties on Nitisols of Bako, Western Ethiopia
Authors: Solomon Tamiru , Pant Lalit Mohan , Angaw Tsige
Published: September 2012

A field experiment was conducted during the 2005/6 growing season to assess the effect of Bradyrhizobium japonicum strains on the performance of soybean varieties. The field experiment was conducted at Bako ATVET College, West Shoa, Ethiopia. Three varieties of soybean (Jalele, Cheri, and Ethio-Yugoslavia) and two strains of Bradyrhizobium japonicum (TAL 378 and TAL 379) along with one uninoculated treatment were laid out in a randomized complete block design with nine variety and strain combinations and three replications. Inoculated and uninoculated seeds of soybean were planted on prepared beds. All the nodulation parameters, namely, nodulation rating, nodule number per plant, nodule volume per plant, and nodule dry weight were significantly influenced by the main effect of Bradyrhizobium japonicum strains alone. The main effect of soybean variety did not affect these parameters significantly. The dry matter production and nitrogen uptake at midflowering were highly significantly () affected by the main effects of both variety and strain. The yield and the yield components such as number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, seed yield, thousand seed weight, above-ground dry biomass, and total nitrogen uptake were highly significantly () affected by inoculation of Bradyrhizobium strains alone. A yield increase of 53.2% was obtained due to inoculation of TAL 379 over the uninoculated control. The variety effect was also significant () on number of pods per plant, seed yield, thousand seed weight, harvest index, and total nitrogen uptake. Variety and Bradyrhizobium strain interaction was detected on number of nodules per plant and nodule dry weight.
Determinants of Weight Loss in an Interdisciplinary Long-Term Care Program for Childhood Obesity
Authors: Dubuisson A. C. , Zech F. R. , Dassy M. M. , Jodogne N. B. , Beauloye V. M.
Published: September 2012

Background. Efforts are needed to improve the long-term efficiency of childhood obesity treatment. To adapt strategies, the identification of subgroups of patients with a greater weight loss may be useful. Objective. To analyze the results of a chronic care program for childhood obesity and to determine baseline factors (medical, dietary, and psychosocial) associated with successful weight loss. Subjects and Method. We set up a family-targeted and individually adapted interdisciplinary long-term care program. We reviewed the medical files of 144 children (59 boys and 85 girls;  y; mean BMI-z-score: ) who had ≥2 interdisciplinary visits and ≥1-year treatment. Results. Mean treatment length was 2.2 y (1–6.7 y) with visits/year. The duration of treatment did not depend on the initial weight loss, but this was predictive of the weight change over time. Furthermore any additional weight loss was observed with time whatever the initial weight change. High levels of physical activity and daily water intake from baseline conditions were associated with a greater weight loss after 9 months of intervention. In contrast, a high baseline consumption of soft drinks resulted in lower weight loss. Family specific factors such as being a single child or the child’s family support were identified as baseline factors which may contribute to better results. Conclusion. Our study suggests that the benefit of a chronic weight control program supports the need for its integration into the current concept of treatment. Better prevention policy and parental support may improve the success of the childhood obesity treatment.
Molecular Evidence for the Wide Distribution of Two Lineages of Terrestrial Green Algae (Chlorophyta) over Tropics to Temperate Zone
Authors: Hodač Ladislav , Hallmann Christine , Rosenkranz Helen , Faßhauer Fabian , Friedl Thomas
Published: September 2012

Phylogenetic analyses of 18S rDNA sequences from environmental clones and culture strains revealed a widespread distribution of two subaerial green algal lineages, Jenufa and Xylochloris, recently described from rainforests in southeast Asia. A new lineage of Jenufa (Chlorophyceae), most closely related to or even conspecific with J. minuta, was formed by sequences of European origin. Two more lineages of Jenufa were formed by three additional sequences from Ecuador and Panama. The other lineage was a close relative of Xylochloris irregularis (Trebouxiophyceae), probably representing a new species of the genus and distinct from the only so far described species, X. irregularis. It comprised two distinct clades each containing almost identical sequences from Germany and Ecuador. Analyses of the new sequences for both genera allowed to presume a preference of J. minuta to subaerial growth on rock or artificial hard substrates combined with a remarkable adaptation to extended periods of darkness, whereas Xylochloris may preferably occur on tree bark or in the soil.
Foetal Radiation Dose and Risk from Diagnostic Radiology Procedures: A Multinational Study
Authors: Osei Ernest K. , Darko Johnson
Published: September 2012

In diagnostic radiology examinations there is a benefit that the patient derives from the resulting diagnosis. Given that so many examinations are performed each year, it is inevitable that there will be occasions when an examination(s) may be inadvertently performed on pregnant patients or occasionally it may become clinically necessary to perform an examination(s) on a pregnant patient. In all these circumstances it is necessary to request an estimation of the foetal dose and risk. We initiated a study to investigate fetal doses from different countries. Exposure techniques on 367 foetuses from 414 examinations were collected and investigated. The FetDoseV4 program was used for all dose and risk estimations. The radiation doses received by the 367 foetuses ranges: <0.001–21.9 mGy depending on examination and technique. The associated probability of induced hereditary effect ranges: <1 in 200000000 (5×10-9) to 1 in 10000 (1×10-4) and the risk of childhood cancer ranges <1 in 12500000 (8×10-8) to 1 in 500 (2×10-3). The data indicates that foetal doses from properly conducted diagnostic radiology examinations will not result in any deterministic effect and a negligible risk of causing radiation induced hereditary effect in the descendants of the unborn child.
Patients with sickle cell disease have increased sensitivity to cold and heat
Authors: Brandow Amanda M. , Stucky Cheryl L. , Hillery Cheryl A. , Hoffmann Raymond G. , Panepinto Julie A.
Published: September 2012

Sickle cell disease (SCD) pain is associated with colder temperatures and touch and described as “cold,” “hot,” and “shooting” suggesting hypersensitivity to tactile stimuli. Sickle mice exhibit hypersensitivity to thermal (cold, heat) and mechanical stimuli compared to controls. It is unknown whether humans experience this same hypersensitivity. Thus, we quantified thermal and mechanical sensitivity differences between patients with SCD and controls. Our primary hypothesis was that patients with SCD will exhibit hypersensitivity to thermal and mechanical stimuli compared to race‐matched controls. Our secondary hypothesis was this hypersensitivity will be associated with older and female subjects, and with frequent pain and hemolysis in patients with SCD. A total of 55 patients and 57 controls ≥7 years completed quantitative sensory testing. Patients with SCD detected the sensation of cold and warm temperatures sooner as seen in their significantly lower median cold and heat detection thresholds [29.5°C vs. 28.6°C, P = 0.012 and 34.5°C vs. 35.3°C, P = 0.02] and experienced cold and heat pain sooner as seen in their significantly lower median cold and heat pain thresholds [21.1°C vs. 14.8°C, P = 0.01 and 42.7°C vs. 45.2°C, P = 0.04]. We found no mechanical threshold differences. Older age was associated with lower cold, heat, and mechanical pain thresholds in both groups. No association with pain, gender, or hemolysis was found. Patients with SCD exhibit hypersensitivity to thermal stimuli suggesting peripheral or central sensitization may exist and could contribute to SCD pain. Am. J. Hematol. 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Silane‐modified NaA zeolite/PAAS hybrid pervaporation membranes for the dehydration of ethanol
Authors: Wei Ping , Qu Xinying , Dong Hang , Zhang Lin , Chen Huanlin , Gao Congjie
Published: September 2012

To improve the pervaporation selectivity of poly(acrylic acid) sodium (PAAS) membranes incorporated with NaA zeolite, the interface compatibility between zeolite nanocrystals and the polymer matrix was improved by modifying NaA zeolite using 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES). Both X‐ray photoelectron spectra and FTIR confirmed the chemical modification, while the results of zeolite particle size analysis and scanning electron microscopy revealed the improved dispersion of the modified zeolite. Transmission electron microscopy images of these hybrid membranes indicated that the interface between the polymer and modified zeolite phases had improved. The effects of loaded NaA zeolite on the pervaporation performance of hybrid membranes were investigated. The selectivity of hybrid membranes made from APTES‐modified zeolite was higher than that using the original zeolite under the same conditions, because fewer voids resulted from the incompatibility between the zeolite and PAAS and the structure was more homogenous. Based on the Arrhenius plots, the activation energies of water and the ethanol ratio were lower for modified zeolite hybrid membranes, because water molecules experienced less restrictive passage through the membranes compared with the original zeolite‐based hybrid membrane. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
A Lightweight Model Predictive Controller For Repetitive Discrete Event Systems
Authors: Goto H.
Published: September 2012

A lightweight model predictive controller for a class of discrete event systems is developed. The target is first in first out (FIFO) systems, in which the precedence relations are represented by a directed acyclic graph. Using max‐plus algebra, a system's behavior can be described by a set of linear equations referred to as the state space representation. Using this representation, we address the problem of adjusting system parameters and determining optimal control inputs for given reference signals. To determine system parameters, we formulate and solve an optimization problem using a branch‐and‐bound method, by which the number of constraints is reduced. Then, the optimal control inputs are determined. Since this part is often the bottleneck in online control, we propose two methods for the efficient computation thereof. The first method is beneficial for systems with sparse adjacency matrices and small‐scale systems with a greater prediction horizon. In contrast, the second approach is beneficial for larger‐scale systems with a smaller prediction horizon. The effectiveness of the proposed framework is verified through numerical simulations.
Application of aurintricarboxylic acid for the adherence of mouse P19 neurons and primary hippocampal neurons to noncoated surface in serum‐free culture
Authors: Lee Tsung‐Yih , Chen Wen‐Shin , Huang Yung‐An , Liu Ting‐Wei , Hwang Eric , Tseng Ching‐Ping
Published: September 2012

Dissociated primary neuron culture has been the most widely used model systems for neuroscience research. Most of these primary neurons are cultured on adhesion matrix‐coated surface to provide a proper environment for cell anchorage under serum‐free conditions. In this study, we provide an alternative technique to promote the adhesions of these neurons using aurintricarboxylic acid (ATA), a nonpeptide compound, without surface manipulations. We first demonstrated that ATA could promote Chinese hamster ovary cell attachment and proliferation in serum‐free medium in a dosage‐dependent manner. We later showed that ATA significantly enhanced the attachment of the retinoic acid differentiated P19 mouse embryonal carcinoma (P19) neurons, with an optimal concentration around 30 μg/mL. A similar result was seen in primary hippocampal neurons, with an optimal ATA concentration around 15 μg/mL. Further morphological assessments revealed that the average neurite length and neuronal polarization were almost identical to that obtained using a conventional method with poly‐L‐lysine surface. The advantages of using the ATA treatment technique for immunochemical analysis are discussed. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2012
Pineapple stem bromelain immobilized on different supports: Catalytic properties in model wine
Authors: Ilaria Benucci , Marco Esti , Katia Liburdi , Maria Vittoria Garzillo Anna
Published: September 2012

Bromelain from pineapple stem has been covalently immobilized on different supports to select the more efficient biocatalyst that should be applied toward unstable proteins in real white wine. In this preliminary study, catalytic properties of different immobilized bromelain forms were compared under wine‐like conditions, against a synthetic substrate (Bz‐Phe‐Val‐Arg‐pNA).Covalent immobilization affected protease kinetic properties, even if all immobilized forms presented both a better substrate affinity and higher half‐life (with the exception of a few procedures) with respect to the free enzyme. Stem bromelain was successfully immobilized on chitosan beads without glutaraldehyde thus yielding a food‐safe and promising biocatalyst for unstable real wine future application. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2012
Hydrodynamic characteristics and microalgae cultivation in a novel flat‐plate photobioreactor
Authors: Zhang Qing H. , Wu Xia , Xue Sheng Z. , Wang Zhi H. , Yan Cheng H. , Cong Wei
Published: September 2012

Flat‐plate photobioreactors (FPPBRs) are widely reported for cultivation of microalgae. In this work, a novel FPPBR mounted with inclined baffles was developed, which can make the fluid produce a “spirality” flow. The flow field and cell trajectory in the photobioreactor were investigated by using computational fluid dynamics. In addition, the cell trajectory was analyzed using a Fast Fourier transformation. The influence of height of the baffles, the angle α between the inclined baffle and fluid inlet flow direction (z), and the fluid inlet velocity on the frequency of flashing light effect and pressure drop were examined to optimize the structure parameters of the inclined baffles and operating conditions of the photobioreactor. The results showed that with inclined baffles built‐in, significant swirl flow could be generated in the FPPBR. In this way, the flashing light effect for microalgal cell could also be achieved and the photosynthesis efficiency of microalgae could be promoted. In outdoor cultivation of freshwater Chlorella sp., the maximum biomass productivity of Chlorella sp. cultivated in the photobioreactor with inclined baffles was 29.94% higher than that of the photobioreactor without inclined baffles. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2013
Understanding consumer purchase of free‐of cosmetics: A value‐driven TRA approach
Authors: Hansen Torben , Risborg Marie Søndergaard , Steen Christina Donslund
Published: September 2012

This study concerns the free‐of trend on the cosmetics market as expressed by a tendency among consumers to prefer cosmetics that are free of certain ingredients. Combining the Theory of Reasoned Action with a value‐driven approach, this study empirically investigates the association between consumers' personal values and their attitude and behaviour associated with purchasing free‐of cosmetics. A quantitative online survey of 250 Danish female consumers was conducted using self‐administering questionnaires. The findings indicate that consumers' willingness to purchase free‐of cosmetics (R² = .48) is both influenced by attitude (β = .65) and perceived subjective norm (β = .21) with attitude having the largest predictive power. Moreover, consumers' attitude towards willingness to purchase free‐of cosmetics seems to be value driven. Our results indicate that two values, self‐transcendence (β = .28) and self‐enhancement (β = −.21), significantly influence attitude towards free‐of cosmetics purchase (R² = .10). Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fluoride Biomonitoring around a Large Aluminium Smelter Using Foliage from Different Tree Species
Authors: Rodriguez Judith Hebelen , Wannaz Eduardo Daniel , Pignata María Luisa , Fangmeier Andreas , Franzaring Jürgen
Published: September 2012

In order to study the pollution gradient in the vicinity of a large aluminium production facility in Patagonia (Argentina), a passive biomonitoring was performed employing foliage from three tree species. Primary scope was to identify pollution gradients and to select suitable tree species which can be used as biomonitor plants in the study area. Therefore, leaves of Eucalyptus rostrata, Populus hybridus and different needle ages of Pinus radiata were collected at different distances from the industry and the fluoride concentration was analysed in washed and unwashed samples in order to determine the amount of external fluoride. Washing reduced the F‐concentrations by 24, 39 and 51% on average in E. rostrata, P. hybridus and P. radiata, respectively, indicating that species‐specific characteristics determine the accumulation and wash‐off of dust‐associated fluorine. F‐concentrations varied from 6 to 3652 ppm F in unwashed samples indicating a steep pollution gradient in the study area. The influence of F‐emissions was discernible in all samples up to a distance of 3500 m from the smelter. E. rostrata accumulated more fluorine than the other species at equal distance from the emission source. The present study confirms that aluminium smelting results in high F deposition in the study area. Establishing a biomonitor network around large emitters is suitable and feasible to evaluate the efficiency of air control measures.
Stejskal–tanner equation derived in full
Authors: Kuchel Philip W. , Pagès Guilhem , Nagashima Kaz , Velan Sendhil , Vijayaragavan Vimalan , Nagarajan Vijayasarathi , Chuang Kai Hsiang
Published: September 2012

The pulsed field gradient spin‐echo nuclear magnetic resonance method is used to measure the translational diffusion of solvents and solutes in homogeneous and heterogeneous systems. It is widely used in the characterization of molecules and materials in general, via phenomena such as ‘diffusion interference’. It is also the basis of tissue discrimination in magnetic resonance imaging, via diffusion tensor imaging. The mathematical equation used to analyze data from a simple noninteracting solute (using a pair of magnetic field gradient pulses that are applied in the experiment) was first derived by Stejskal and Tanner. However, in the article and in subsequent presentations the basic derivation, which we call the the “theoretical physics” of the theory, is not presented in extenso. Conversely, many papers in which the exploration of the effects of magnetic field gradient pulses of shapes other than simple rectangles generally begin with the time‐dependent integral that emerges from the original theoretical physics. To fill this “pedagogical gap” we use here a rigorous step‐by‐step approach to the theoretical physics of the Stejskal–Tanner equation and indicate how it was based on earlier theories. We also take the opportunity to indicate a contemporary approach to deriving new relationships between user‐defined magnetic field gradient pulse shapes and the diffusion coefficient; and we show how these can be rapidly and accurately derived using symbolic computation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part A 40A: 205–214, 2012.
Predictors of newly diagnosed cancer patients' understanding of the goals of their care at initiation of chemotherapy
Authors: Lennes Inga T. , Temel Jennifer S. , Hoedt Christen , Meilleur Ashley , Lamont Elizabeth B.
Published: September 2012

BACKGROUND:

The American Society of Clinical Oncology Quality Oncology Practice Initiative endorses in their core measures that providers should discuss the goals of care (GOC) at the time of chemotherapy consent. GOC refers to chemotherapy treatment intent: cure versus noncure. In this study, the authors sought to determine whether attributes of patients and initial patient‐physician encounters were associated with patients' understanding of their GOC.

METHODS:

In total, the authors surveyed 125 consecutive, newly diagnosed patients who were receiving chemotherapy for solid malignancies at a single academic cancer center and performed a medical record review for additional data. Patient understanding of their oncologist's GOC and oncologist's reported GOC were compared. The primary outcome was concordance of patient‐physician dyads regarding the GOC (cure vs noncure).

RESULTS:

One hundred twenty‐five of 137 of eligible patients (91%) completed the survey. Only 95 of 125 patient‐physician pairs (75%) patient‐physician pairs were concordant regarding the GOC. In a multivariable logistic regression, both older patients (odds ratio, 0.21; 95% confidence interval, 0.08‐0.57) and non‐native English speakers had an almost 80% lower odds (odds ratio, 0.23; 95% confidence interval, 0.05‐0.93) of GOC concordance compared with younger patients and native English speakers. Patients who received printed chemotherapy information during the patient‐physician consent process had almost 3 times greater odds (odds ratio, 2.88; 95% confidence interval, 1.24‐6.68) of GOC concordance with their physician compared with those who did not receive materials.

CONCLUSIONS:

Patient misunderstanding of GOC was substantial, with 25% of cancer patients misunderstanding the goal of their chemotherapy treatment. Key predictors of GOC misunderstanding included factors that potentially were amenable to interventions at the time of chemotherapy consent. Cancer 2013. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Prognostic factors for recurrence and survival in anal cancer
Authors: Glynne‐Jones Robert , Sebag‐Montefiore David , Adams Richard , Gollins Simon , Harrison Mark , Meadows Helen M. , Jitlal Mark ,   for the United Kingdom Coordinating Committee on Cancer Research Anal Cancer Trial Working Party
Published: September 2012

BACKGROUND:

Only 2 prospective studies have previously reported prognostic factors for anal cancer, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer trial 22861 (EORTC 22861) and Radiation Therapy Oncology Group trial 98‐11 (RTOG 98‐11). Both of those trials reported that clinically positive lymph nodes and male sex predicted poorer overall survival (OS). The EORTC 22861 trial indicated that the same factors were prognostic for locoregional control. In the current report, the authors investigated potential prognostic factors from the first United Kingdom Coordinating Committee on Cancer Research Anal Cancer Trial (ACT I), in which patients were randomized to receive either radiotherapy alone or chemoradiation (CRT) with concurrent 5‐fluorouracil/mitomycin C.

METHODS:

In the ACT I trial, associations between several baseline characteristics and 3 endpoints were investigated: locoregional failure (LRF), anal cancer death (ACD), and OS. The analyses were restricted to 292 patients who received CRT, which subsequently became standard treatment. A score was derived using multivariable Cox regression to identify the set of factors that, together, had the best prognostic performance. This score was then validated with a large, independent prospective trial (the ACT II trial).

RESULTS:

Palpable, clinically positive lymph nodes were associated with LRF (P = .012), a greater risk of ACD (P = .031), and decreased OS (P = .006) in multivariable analyses. Men had worse outcomes than women for LRF (P = .036), ACD (P = .039), and OS (P = .008). On average, a lower hemoglobin level had an adverse effect on ACD (P = .008), and a higher white blood cell count had an adverse effect on OS (P = .001). However, external validation of the score was poor for LRF (area under the curve [AUC] = 54%) but was better for ACD (AUC = 67%) and OS (AUC = 63%).

CONCLUSIONS:

The results from this analysis of the ACT I trial supported evidence for palpable lymph nodes and male sex as prognostic factors for LRF and OS, and lower hemoglobin levels and a higher white blood cell count were identified as prognostic factors for ACD and OS, respectively. Cancer 2013. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
How is Employee Perception of Organizational Efforts in Corporate Social Responsibility Related to Their Satisfaction and Loyalty Towards Developing Harmonious Society in Chinese Enterprises?
Authors: Zhu Qinghua , Yin Hang , Liu Junjun , Lai Kee‐hung
Published: September 2012

As a major part of corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices, Chinese companies have emphasized employee satisfaction to achieve sustainable development. However, it is still unclear how employees perceive organizational CSR efforts and whether such perceptions bring employee satisfaction and loyalty. To answer these timely inquires, we developed and empirically tested a theoretical framework modeling employee satisfaction as both mediator and moderator on the relationship between employee perception of organizational CSR efforts and their loyalty to enterprises. Based on 438 usable questionnaires collected from four typical companies, we found that solely providing money‐related welfare and improving the working environment can be detrimental to employee loyalty, but by increasing employee satisfaction of personal treatment, companies can mitigate such a side‐effect. Employee satisfaction of personal treatment and general company effort are necessary to enhance their affective commitment. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
On the usage of resonate and fire dynamics in the complex oscillation‐based test approach
Authors: Callegari Sergio , Pareschi Fabio , Setti Gianluca , Soma Mani
Published: September 2012

Resonate and Fire (R+F) models were introduced to account for many phenomena occurring in biological neurons showing sub‐threshold oscillations of the membrane potential. In information technology, they are at the basis of Chaotic Spiking Oscillators (CSOs), exploitable in Pulse Coupled Neural Networks (PCNNs). This paper illustrates how the R + F paradigm can also be used for the testing of analog signal processing structures (and specifically filters), extending the Oscillation Based Test (OBT) framework. The rich dynamics of the R + F model is used to encode the block under test features and faults into pulse trains directly processable at the digital level. Means to achieve a precise characterization of firing times are provided and used for parametric testing. Considerations about the trade‐off between testing times and accuracy are provided together with a practical example and simulation data. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving PCA‐based anomaly detection by using multiple time scale analysis and Kullback–Leibler divergence
Authors: Callegari Christian , Gazzarrini Loris , Giordano Stefano , Pagano Michele , Pepe Teresa
Published: September 2012

The increasing number of network attacks causes growing problems for network operators and users. Thus, detecting anomalous traffic is of primary interest in IP networks management.

In this paper, we address the problem considering a method based on PCA for detecting network anomalies. In more detail, this paper presents a new technique that extends the state of the art in PCA‐based anomaly detection. Indeed, by means of multi‐scale analysis and Kullback–Leibler divergence, we are able to obtain great improvements with respect to the performance of the ‘classical’ approach. Moreover, we also introduce a method for identifying the flows responsible for an anomaly detected at the aggregated level.

The performance analysis, presented in this paper, demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed method.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vivo notch reactivation in differentiating cochlear hair cells induces sox2 and prox1 expression but does not disrupt hair cell maturation
Authors: Liu Zhiyong , Owen Thomas , Fang Jie , Srinivasan R. Sathish , Zuo Jian
Published: September 2012

COVER PHOTOGRAPH: Lineage tracing of Prox1 expressing inner ear cochlear cells in Prox1CreEGFP/+; Rosa26‐EYFPloxp/+ mice at P23. All cochlear hair cells are labeled with calbindin in red. EYFP in green historically records the cochlear cells experiencing Prox1 expression during the development, which include hair cells and supporting cells (both inside and outside the organ of Corti). From Liu et al., Developmental Dynamics 241:684–696, 2012.
Exploring the Route to 1,3,5‐Triazine‐2,4,6‐triisocyanate (C6N6O3), a Hydrogen‐Free Molecular Precursor for Polymeric C–N–(O) Materials
Authors: Schmidt Carsten Ludwig , Jansen Martin
Published: September 2012

We report on the synthesis of 1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4,6‐triisocyanate [C3N3(NCO)3]. The hydrogen‐free compound, a new molecular precursor for the realisation of C–N–(O) networks (e.g., C2N2O, C3N4), has been obtained in a five‐step reaction sequence with well‐defined intermediates. Starting from cyanoformiate, triethyl 1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4,6‐tricarboxylate (C12O6N3H15) was prepared and identified by means of spectroscopic and thermal methods. In addition, the crystal structures of two modifications were solved [high temperature (HT): P63/m (no. 176), a = 11.07(2) Å, c = 6.83(4) Å, γ = 120°, V = 725.80(2) Å3, Z = 2; low temperature (LT): P21/n (no. 14), a = 21.75(2) Å, b = 6.54(5) Å, c = 21.81(0) Å, β = 119.81(0)°, V = 2693.98(6) Å3, Z = 8]. Hydrolysis of the ester under alkaline conditions (KOH) yielded the corresponding salt of 1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4,6‐tricarboxylic acid, C3N3(COO)3K3·2H2O [P$\bar {1}$ (no. 2), a = 6.95(0) Å, b = 17.45(8) Å, c = 17.54(1) Å, α = 119.76(0)°, β = 92.04(0)°, γ = 93.92(0) °Å; V = 1837.63(0) Å3, Z = 6]. The dried salt was converted into 1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4,6‐tricarbonyl trichloride [C3N3(COCl)3] by reaction with POCl3. The trichloride was also studied by means of single‐crystal structure analysis [P21/c (no. 14), a = 9.73(6) Å, b = 11.21(1) Å, c = 17.03(1) Å, β = 91.91(1)°, V = 1857.87(23) Å3, Z = 8]. Further reaction of the molecular acid chloride with AgN3 gave the acyl azide, which was converted in situ into the product 1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4,6‐triisocyanate by means of a thermally induced Curtius rearrangement. The final product was studied by thermal and spectroscopic methods. Owing to the high chemical reactivity of the isocyanate groups, oligomerisation/polymerisation of the molecular compound occurred immediately at room temperature, thus forming amorphous uretdione‐type coordination compounds. The uretdione‐based network has been converted into the corresponding molecular carbamates (R–NH–CO–OR) by reaction with ethanol [P63/m (no. 176), a = 14.873(12) Å, c = 6.605(7) Å, γ = 120°, Z = 2, V = 1265(2) Å3] and 2‐propanol [P43 (no. 78), a = 13.526(8) Å, c = 12.956(2) Å, Z = 4, V = 2370.5(3) Å3]. The potential of this new precursor in the field of carbon nitrides as well as carbon oxynitrides is discussed briefly.
Crystal Structure and Magnetic Properties of a Dinuclear High‐Spin Iron(III) Complex with Face‐to‐Face Bis(Salen)‐Type Ligands
Authors: Ishikawa Ryuta , Breedlove Brian K. , Yamashita Masahiro
Published: September 2012

Synthesis and crystal structure of the dinuclear complex threo‐[FeIII2(saltab)(Him)4](ClO4)2·2MeOH (1) {H4saltab = (2R,3S)‐1,2,3,4‐tetrakis(salicylideneamino)butane, a bis(salen)‐type Schiff base ligand, and Him = imidazole} are reported. The magnetic behavior of 1 showed that it was in a high‐spin state over the whole temperature region.
A Salicylaldoxime [Mn12] Complex with an Unprecedented [MnIII4MnII8(μ‐OCH3)4] Core
Authors: Hołyńska Małgorzata , Clérac Rodolphe , Dehnen Stefanie
Published: September 2012

A mixed‐valent [Mn12] complex with an unprecedented [MnIII4MnII8(μ‐OCH3)4] core was obtained by oxidation of MnCl2 in the presence of salicylaldoxime (saoH2). This complex adopts a rare topology based on a central [MnII4] cage decorated by four dinuclear [MnII–MnIII] motifs. Studies of the magnetic properties show the presence of strong intracomplex antiferromagnetic interactions and suggest an ST = 2 spin ground state.
Lewis‐Acid‐Promoted Arylation Reaction: Synthesis of Dihydrobenzofuran Derivatives from Aryltriazenes
Authors: Zhao Guoqing , Wang Binjie , Yang Weijun , Ren Hongjun
Published: September 2012

A Lewis‐acid‐promoted approach to the synthesis of highly functionalized dihydrobenzofuran derivatives was developed. A diverse range of functional groups are tolerated in this type of reaction. The reaction mechanism investigation indicates that the highly reactive phenyl cation intermediate is probably involved in this process. The chirality of substrate is retained under the reaction conditions.