bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrospun Metal Oxide Nanofibres for the Assessment of Catalyst Morphological Stability under Harsh Reaction Conditions
Authors: Kanzler Christian H. , Urban Sven , Zalewska‐Wierzbicka Katarzyna , Hess Franziska , Rohrlack Stefan F. , Wessel Claas , Ostermann Rainer , Hofmann Jan P. , Smarsly Bernd M. , Over Herbert
Published: June 2013

Long‐term stability is a major issue in heterogeneous catalysis and is often related to structural instabilities, which are difficult to assess in the early stage of catalyst screening. However, studies of morphological transformations in catalytic systems can greatly benefit from a well‐defined starting morphology and microstructure of the catalyst to be analysed. The present study suggests the use of catalysts in the form of 1 D nanofibres (NFs) as a conceptual methodology to assess catalyst stability, which is exemplified for the HCl oxidation reaction. These nanostructured model catalysts are synthesised by electrospinning, a versatile method to produce metal oxide NFs. We have studied the stability of RuO2‐ and CeO2‐based materials in the harsh HCl oxidation reaction (Deacon process). At 573 K pure RuO2 NFs have shown to be morphologically unstable, whereas mixed RuO2‐TiO2 NFs are stable. The stability of CeO2‐based NFs in the HCl oxidation was studied at 703 K. Under HCl lean conditions CeO2 NFs are stable, whereas under HCl rich conditions pure CeO2 NFs disintegrate by recrystallisation, forming (hydrated) Ce‐chloride. If CeO2 is doped with 20 % of Zr, the resulting mixed oxide Zr0.20Ce0.80O2 NFs have shown to be stable even under HCl rich reaction conditions and are similarly active as pure CeO2. These are the first activity experiments of mixed oxide ZrxCe1−xO2 in the Deacon process. The versatility of electrospun NFs as model catalysts has been demonstrated for testing catalyst stability in terms of morphology changes, thus serving as a proof‐of‐principle study.
Mechanistic Investigations on the Photoisomerization Reactions of 1,2‐Dihydro‐1,2‐Azaborine
Authors: Su Ming‐Der
Published: June 2013

The mechanisms of the photochemical isomerization reactions were investigated theoretically by using a model system of 1,2‐dihydro‐1,2‐azaborine with the CAS(6,6)/6‐311G(d,p) and MP2‐CAS‐(6,6)/6‐311++G(3df,3pd)//CAS(6,6)/6‐311G(d,p) methods. Three reaction pathways, which lead to three kinds of photoisomers, have been examined. The structures of the conical intersections, which play a decisive role in such photorearrangements, were obtained. The thermal (or dark) reactions of the reactant species have also been examined by using the same level of theory to assist in providing a qualitative explanation of the reaction pathways. The model investigations suggest that the preferred reaction route for 1,2‐dihydro‐1,2‐azaborine, which leads to the Dewar 1,2‐dihydro‐1,2‐azaborine photoproduct, is as follows: reactant→Franck–Condon region→conical intersection→photoproduct. The results obtained allow a number of predictions to be made.
Ostwald‐Ripening‐Induced Growth of Parallel Face‐Exposed Ag Nanoplates on Micro‐Hemispheres for High SERS Activity
Authors: Zhu Chuhong , Meng Guowen , Huang Qing , Zhang Yao , Tang Haibin , Qian Yiwu , Chen Bin , Wang Xiujuan
Published: June 2013

Ag nanoplates, as two‐dimensional plasmonic nanostructures, have attracted intensive attention due to their strong shape‐dependent optical properties and related applications. Here parallel face‐exposed Ag nanoplates vertically grown on micro‐hemisphere surfaces have been achieved by firstly electrodepositing the micro‐hemispheres assembled by Ag nanoplates, whose planar surfaces are stuck together, on indium tin oxide substrates, and then Ostwald ripening the as‐electrodeposited micro‐hemispheres in water. The sizes of the nanoplates and the gaps between the neighboring nanoplates have been tailored by tuning the Ostwald‐ripening duration, so that the SERS activity of the micro‐hemispheres has been remarkably improved. The improved SERS activity can be well explained by our systematic finite‐element simulation. Therefore, Ostwald ripening offers a route to the synthesis of Ag nanoplates, and the optimization of plasmon coupling and SERS activity of nanostructure‐assembled systems.
ChemInform Abstract: Palladium‐Catalyzed Base‐Free Suzuki—Miyaura Coupling Reactions of Fluorinated Alkenes and Arenes via a Palladium Fluoride Key Intermediate.
Authors: Ohashi Masato , Saijo Hiroki , Shibata Mitsutoshi , Ogoshi Sensuke
Published: June 2013

A new strategy for the title C—C bond formation is developed.
Prediction of bed fluctuation and expansion ratios for homogeneous ternary mixtures of spherical glass bead particles in a three‐phase fluidised bed
Authors: Dora D. Tapas Kumar , Mohanty Yashobanata Kumar , Roy Gopendra Kishore , Sarangi Bidyapati
Published: June 2013

The prediction of the fluctuation and expansion ratios in three‐phase fluidised beds of homogeneous particles is of prime importance in designing the equipments and evaluating the efficiency of a number of physical and/or chemical operations of industrial importance. A clear knowledge of the hydrodynamic behaviour in a three‐phase fluidised bed is a prerequisite for this purpose. To explore this, a series of experiments have been carried out for homogeneous well‐mixed ternary mixtures of three different sizes of glass beads of varying compositions in a three‐phase fluidised bed. The hydrodynamic characteristics determined include the bed fluctuation and expansion ratios. The dependence of these quantities on the average particle diameter, superficial gas velocity and initial static bed height has been discussed. Based on dimensional and statistical analyses, correlations have been developed with the system parameters, viz., average particle diameter, initial static bed height and superficial velocity of the fluidising medium. Experimental values of bed fluctuation and expansion ratios have been found to agree well with those calculated from developed correlations.
Müller cells express the cannabinoid CB2 receptor in the vervet monkey retina
Authors: Bouskila Joseph , Javadi Pasha , Casanova Christian , Ptito Maurice , Bouchard Jean‐François
Published: June 2013

The presence of the cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) has been largely documented in the rodent and primate retinae in recent years. There is, however, some controversy concerning the presence of the CB2 receptor (CB2R) within the central nervous system. Only recently, CB2R has been found in the rodent retina, but its presence in the primate retina has not yet been demonstrated. The aim of this study was twofold: 1) to characterize the distribution patterns of CB2R in the monkey retina and compare this distribution with that previously reported for CB1R and 2) to resolve the controversy on the presence of CB2R in the neural component of the retina. We therefore thoroughly examined the cellular localization of CB2R in the vervet monkey (Chlorocebus sabeus) retina, using confocal microscopy. Our results demonstrate that CB2R, like CB1R, is present throughout the retinal layers, but with striking dissimilarities. Double labeling of CB2R and glutamine synthetase shows that CB2R is restricted to Müller cell processes, extending from the internal limiting membrane, with very low staining, to the external limiting membrane, with heavy labeling. We conclude that CB2R is indeed present in the retina but exclusively in the retinal glia, whereas CB1R is expressed only in the neuroretina. These results extend our knowledge on the expression and distribution of cannabinoid receptors in the monkey retina, although further experiments are still needed to clarify their role in retinal functions. J. Comp. Neurol. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:2399–2415, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nanodiamond–TiO2 Composites for Heterogeneous Photocatalysis
Authors: Pastrana‐Martínez Luisa M. , Morales‐Torres Sergio , Carabineiro Sónia A. C. , Buijnsters Josephus G. , Faria Joaquim L. , Figueiredo José L. , Silva Adrián M. T.
Published: June 2013

This is a pioneering study on the synthesis and application of composites based on micro‐ and nanodiamonds for the photocatalytic degradation of environmental water pollutants. Micro‐ and nanodiamond powders (with particle sizes of 1–3 μm and 2–10 nm, respectively) were combined with TiO2, by varying the carbon‐phase content, and tested as composite photocatalysts for the degradation of diphenhydramine, which is a pharmaceutical water pollutant, under near‐UV/Vis irradiation. These composites exhibited higher photocatalytic activity than the respective bare materials. In addition, composites prepared with pristine nanodiamonds were always more active than those prepared with microdiamonds of the same carbon content. A significant enhancement in the photocatalytic performance was observed on preparation of the composite with 15 wt % of nanodiamonds oxidised in air at 703 K; these oxidised nanodiamonds contained mainly carboxylic anhydrides, lactones, phenols and, to a lesser extent, carbonyl/quinone groups on their surface.
A MAC protocol for the mixed scenario of omnidirectional and directional nodes in an ad hoc network
Authors: Alam Md. Nasre , Hussain Md. Asdaque , Khan Pervez , Kim Baek‐Hyun , Kwak Kyung Sup
Published: June 2013

In ad hoc networks, directional antennas offer many benefits compared with classical omnidirectional antennas. Those include significant increases in spatial reuse, coverage range, and subsequently network capacity as a whole. Most of the proposed directional medium access control methods assume that all the nodes in the network have homogeneous antenna types. However, it is quite unusual that a sudden change will occur, and every laptop, palmtop, computer, and other similar device will be turned into a directional antenna holding device. There will always be a possibility of heterogeneous antenna used in the deployed nodes of the network. In this paper, we have proposed a medium access control protocol that deals with the new challenges introduced into heterogeneous networks in the form of deaf and hidden node problems. Using Optimized Network Engineering Tools 16.0, we have simulated three ad hoc network scenarios. These scenarios have different ratios of omnidirectional and directional nodes. We evaluated the performance of these scenarios by varying the ratio. We found that when we increase the directional nodes in the network, the performance increases. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inbreeding reveals mode of past selection on male reproductive characters in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Ala‐Honkola Outi , Hosken David J. , Manier Mollie K. , Lüpold Stefan , Droge‐Young Elizabeth M. , Berben Kirstin S. , Collins William F. , Belote John M. , Pitnick Scott
Published: June 2013

Directional dominance is a prerequisite of inbreeding depression. Directionality arises when selection drives alleles that increase fitness to fixation and eliminates dominant deleterious alleles, while deleterious recessives are hidden from it and maintained at low frequencies. Traits under directional selection (i.e., fitness traits) are expected to show directional dominance and therefore an increased susceptibility to inbreeding depression. In contrast, traits under stabilizing selection or weakly linked to fitness are predicted to exhibit little‐to‐no inbreeding depression. Here, we quantify the extent of inbreeding depression in a range of male reproductive characters and then infer the mode of past selection on them. The use of transgenic populations of Drosophila melanogaster with red or green fluorescent‐tagged sperm heads permitted in vivo discrimination of sperm from competing males and quantification of characteristics of ejaculate composition, performance, and fate. We found that male attractiveness (mating latency) and competitive fertilization success (P2) both show some inbreeding depression, suggesting they may have been under directional selection, whereas sperm length showed no inbreeding depression suggesting a history of stabilizing selection. However, despite having measured several sperm quality and quantity traits, our data did not allow us to discern the mechanism underlying the lowered competitive fertilization success of inbred (f = 0.50) males.
Silver‐Catalyzed Highly Regioselective Phosphonation of Arenes Bearing Electron‐Withdrawing Groups
Authors: Mao Xuerong , Ma Xiao , Zhang Shuwei , Hu Hongwen , Zhu Chengjian , Cheng Yixiang
Published: June 2013

A highly efficient, AgI/K2S2O8‐mediated regioselective phosphonation reaction has been developed by using electron‐deficient directing groups. These phosphonation reactions were performed with N,N‐dialkylbenzamides, N,N‐dialkylbenzenesulfonamides, and nitrobenzene. This method has a broad substrate scope and offers facile construction of C–P bonds.
Enhancement of SMN protein levels in a mouse model of spinal muscular atrophy using novel drug‐like compounds
Authors: Cherry Jonathan J. , Osman Erkan Y. , Evans Matthew C. , Choi Sungwoon , Xing Xuechao , Cuny Gregory D. , Glicksman Marcie A. , Lorson Christian L. , Androphy Elliot J.
Published: June 2013

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neurodegenerative disease that causes progressive muscle weakness, which primarily targets proximal muscles. About 95% of SMA cases are caused by the loss of both copies of the SMN1 gene. SMN2 is a nearly identical copy of SMN1, which expresses much less functional SMN protein. SMN2 is unable to fully compensate for the loss of SMN1 in motor neurons but does provide an excellent target for therapeutic intervention. Increased expression of functional full‐length SMN protein from the endogenous SMN2 gene should lessen disease severity. We have developed and implemented a new high‐throughput screening assay to identify small molecules that increase the expression of full‐length SMN from a SMN2 reporter gene. Here, we characterize two novel compounds that increased SMN protein levels in both reporter cells and SMA fibroblasts and show that one increases lifespan, motor function, and SMN protein levels in a severe mouse model of SMA.
Temporary watertight connection of excavations to existing buildings and temporary waterproofing of structures by ground freezing / Temporäre wasserdichte Anbindung von Baugruben an Bestandsbauwerke und temporäres Abdichten von Bauwerken durch Baugrundvereisung
Authors: Orth Wolfgang , Müller Benno
Published: June 2013

The ground freezing technique is used not only to stabilise soil but also for sealing excavations and tunnels below groundwater level. As it can be applied in various soil types and controlled very well by temperature measurement, it can be used as a planned measure as well as to remedy leaking excavations. The paper gives an overview of the general function and special features of ground freezing for sealing purposes, and three completed examples are presented.

Das Gefrierverfahren wird nicht nur zur Stützung, sondern teilweise auch allein zur Abdichtung von unterirdischen Hohlräumen unter Grundwasser angewendet. Aufgrund seiner großen Anpassungsfähigkeit an unterschiedliche Bodenarten und der guten Kontrollierbarkeit eignet es sich dabei nicht nur für den a priori geplanten Einsatz, sondern auch zur nachträglichen Sanierung undichter Baugruben. Der Bericht behandelt neben der Wirkungsweise und den allgemeinen Merkmalen des Verfahrens die Besonderheiten bei der Verwendung zu Abdichtungszwecken und stellt hierzu drei ausgeführte Fälle vor.
Hurricane Sandy warm‐core structure observed from advanced Technology Microwave Sounder
Authors: Zhu Tong , Weng Fuzhong
Published: June 2013

The warm‐core structures of Hurricane Sandy and other nine tropical cyclones (TCs) are studied using the temperatures retrieved from Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS). A new algorithm is developed for the retrieval of atmospheric temperature profiles from the ATMS radiances. Since ATMS observation has a higher spatial resolution and better coverage than its predecessor, Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit‐A, the retrieved temperature field explicitly resolves TC warm core throughout troposphere and depicts the cold temperature anomalies in the eyewall and spiral rainbands. Unlike a typical TC, the height of maximum warm core of Hurricane Sandy is very low, but the storm size is quite large. Based on the analysis of 10 TCs in 2012, close correlations are found between ATMS‐derived warm core and the TC maximum sustained wind (MSW) or minimum sea level pressure (MSLP). The estimation errors of MSW and MSLP from ATMS‐retrieved warm core are 13.5 mph and 13.1 hPa, respectively.
Novel nootropic drug sunifiram enhances hippocampal synaptic efficacy via glycine‐binding site of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor
Authors: Moriguchi Shigeki , Tanaka Tomoya , Narahashi Toshio , Fukunaga Kohji
Published: June 2013

Sunifiram is a novel pyrrolidone nootropic drug structurally related to piracetam, which was developed for neurodegenerative disorder like Alzheimer's disease. Sunifiram is known to enhance cognitive function in some behavioral experiments such as Morris water maze task. To address question whether sunifiram affects N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR)‐dependent synaptic function in the hippocampal CA1 region, we assessed the effects of sunifiram on NMDAR‐dependent long‐term potentiation (LTP) by electrophysiology and on phosphorylation of synaptic proteins by immunoblotting analysis. In mouse hippocampal slices, sunifiram at 10–100 nM significantly enhanced LTP in a bell‐shaped dose‐response relationship which peaked at 10 nM. The enhancement of LTP by sunifiram treatment was inhibited by 7‐chloro‐kynurenic acid (7‐ClKN), an antagonist for glycine‐binding site of NMDAR, but not by ifenprodil, an inhibitor for polyamine site of NMDAR. The enhancement of LTP by sunifilam was associated with an increase in phosphorylation of α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisozazole‐4‐propionate receptor (AMPAR) through activation of calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) and an increase in phosphorylation of NMDAR through activation of protein kinase Cα (PKCα). Sunifiram treatments at 1–1000 nM increased the slope of field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) in a dose‐dependent manner. The enhancement was associated with an increase in phosphorylation of AMPAR receptor through activation of CaMKII. Interestingly, under the basal condition, sunifiram treatments increased PKCα (Ser‐657) and Src family (Tyr‐416) activities with the same bell‐shaped dose‐response curve as that of LTP peaking at 10 nM. The increase in phosphorylation of PKCα (Ser‐657) and Src (Tyr‐416) induced by sunifiram was inhibited by 7‐ClKN treatment. The LTP enhancement by sunifiram was significantly inhibited by PP2, a Src family inhibitor. Finally, when pretreated with a high concentration of glycine (300 μM), sunifiram treatments failed to potentiate LTP in the CA1 region. Taken together, sunifiram stimulates the glycine‐binding site of NMDAR with concomitant PKCα activation through Src kinase. Enhancement of PKCα activity triggers to potentiate hippocampal LTP through CaMKII activation. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hyper‐stasis as opposed to hyper‐activism: the politics of health policy in the USA set against England
Authors: Paton Calum
Published: June 2013

This paper considers health policy‐making in the USA with England as comparator. It contrasts policy inertia in US healthcare despite crisis with hyper‐activity in perpetual ‘reform’ in England despite absence of crisis in the NHS. It does so from the standpoint of political science and political economy.

I suggest that ‘path‐dependency’, the view that past policy constrains future policy, lacks explanatory power and that wider and deeper explanations must be sought. The USA's apparent path dependency is in fact a story of political economy and power, buttressed by institutions. England's apparent lack of path‐dependency in promulgating NHS reform is in fact a story of executive hyper‐activism which is oblivious to how implementation will obviate its prescriptions.

This failure of ‘reform’ in the NHS is not a symptom of concealed path‐dependency but a sign of pragmatism by those charged with implementation. In the USA, the durability of its various systems of healthcare is by contrast a sign of pragmatism not being adequate to achieve health sector reform.

In the USA, a weak state is unable to manage healthcare reform which would actually benefit US capitalism as a whole. In the UK, a strong state has created and developed the NHS to the benefit of capital through the economical provision of healthcare to the workforce. Such an ‘investment state’ is a testimony to the continuing validity of the neo‐Marxist argument that social investment and social expenses are an important and functional component of the capitalist state. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Responsiveness of Lebanon's primary healthcare centers to non‐communicable diseases and related healthcare needs
Authors: Yassoub Rami , Hashimi Suha , Awada Siham , El‐Jardali Fadi
Published: June 2013

Lebanon currently faces a rise in non‐communicable diseases (NCD) that is stressing the population's health and financial well‐being. Preventive care is recognized as the optimal health equitable, cost‐effective solution. The study aims to assess the responsiveness of primary health care centers (PHCs) to NCD, and identify the needed health arrangements and responsibilities of PHCs, the Ministry Of Public Health and other healthcare system entities, for PHCs to purse a more preventive role against NCD. Single and group interviews were conducted via a semi‐structured questionnaire with 10 PHCs from Lebanon's primary health care network that have undergone recent pilot accreditation and are recognized for having quality services and facilities. This manifested administrative aspects and NCD‐related services of PHCs and generated information regarding the centers' deficiencies, strengths and areas needing improvement for fulfilling a more preventive role. Administrative features of PHCs varied according to number and type of health personnel employed. Variations and deficiencies within and among PHCs were manifested specifically at the level of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and cancer. PHCs identified the pilot accreditation as beneficial at the administrative and clinical levels; however, various financial and non‐financial resources, in addition to establishing a strong referral system with secondary care settings and further arrangements with MOPH, are necessary for PHCs to pursue a stronger preventive role. The generated results denote needed changes within the healthcare system's governance, financing and delivery. They involve empowering PHCs and increasing their breadth of services, allocating a greater portion of national budget to health and preventive care, and equipping PHCs with personnel skilled in conducting community‐wide preventive activities. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Benthic control upon the morphology of transported fine sediments in a low‐gradient stream
Authors: Fox James , Ford William , Strom Kyle , Villarini Gabriele , Meehan Michelle
Published: June 2013

The structure of fluvial sediments in streams has environmental implications to contaminant fate, nutrient budgeting and the carbon flux associated with fine particulate organic matter (FPOM). However, the influence of sediment structure is lacking in environmental predictive models. To this end, the present study links field‐based results of sediment aggregate structure to seasonal biological functions in the surface fine‐grained laminae (SFGL) of a low‐gradient stream. Fluvial sediment collection, microscopy and image analysis are used to show that aggregates collected over a 20 month time period support the concept that aggregate structure can vary seasonally in low‐gradient streams where temporarily stored sediment is prominent. Results show that the structure of the transported aggregates is more irregular in the summer with the structure being elongated about the long axes. In the winter, the aggregate structure is compacted and more spherical. Statistical analysis and results suggest that heterotrophic and autotrophic biological activity within the SFGL exhibits seasonal control upon the morphology of transported sediments. Implications of this research are highlighted through calculations of the reactive surface area of the transported suspended sediment load. The surface area of transported sediment is estimated to be 40% greater in the summer as compared to the winter time period, which implies that (i) the affinity of sediments to sorb contaminants is higher in summer months and (ii) the downstream reactivity of FPOM in large rivers, lakes and estuaries is not just a function of microbial drivers but also the seasonally dependent structure of transported FPOM derived from low‐order streams. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tagging N‐Linked Glycan with 2,3‐Naphthalenediamine for Mass Spectrometric Analysis
Authors: Hung Wei‐Ting , Wang Shwu‐Huey , Chen Chein‐Hung , Chen Chung‐Hsuan , Fang Jim‐Min , Yang Wen‐Bin
Published: June 2013

An expedient conversion of N‐glycans to the naphthimidazole (NAIM) derivatives is established by the iodine‐promoted oxidative condensation of N‐glycans with 2,3‐naphthalenediamine at room temperature. The NAIM derivatization not only introduces a UV/fluorescence sensitive chromophore but also increases the hydrophobicity of N‐glycans to improve the ionization efficiency in mass spectrometry (MS). Thus, the NAIM derivatives of N‐linked oligosaccharide Man9 and tetra‐antennary N‐glycan NA4 show enhanced sodiated ions in matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight MS with a detection limit of 50 pmol, whereas the NAIM derivative of sialic acid‐containing tri‐antennary N‐glycan A3 is detected as the protonated ion by linear trap quadrupole Fourier transform MS. Furthermore, the N‐glycans of ovalbumin and fetuin are released and directly converted to the NAIM derivatives for facilitated HPLC and MS analyses. This is the first study of N‐glycan‐NAIM for MS measurement, which is especially valuable in glycan analysis of biological samples containing sensitive subunits.
Performance of scientific cameras with different sensor types in measuring dynamic processes in fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Jung Jasmin , Weisenburger Siegfried , Albert Sahradha , Gilbert Daniel F. , Friedrich Oliver , Eulenburg Volker , Kornhuber Johannes , Groemer Teja W.
Published: June 2013

The plethora of available scientific cameras of different types challenges the biologically oriented experimenter when picking the appropriate camera for his experiment. In this study, we chose to investigate camera performances in a typical nonsingle molecule situation in life sciences, that is, quantitative measurements of fluorescence intensity changes from video data with typically skewed intensity distributions. Here, intensity profile dynamics of pH‐sensors upon triggered changes of pH‐environments in living cells served as a model system. The following camera types were tested: sCMOS, CCD (scientific and nonscientific) and EM‐CCD (back‐ and front‐illuminated). We found that although the EM‐CCD cameras achieved the best absolute spatial SNR (signal‐to‐noise ratio) values, the sCMOS was at least of equal performance when the spatial SNR was related to the effective dynamic range, and it was superior in terms of temporal SNR. In the measurements of triggered intensity changes, the sCMOS camera had the advantage that it used the smallest fraction of its dynamic range when depicting intensity changes, and thus featured the best SNR at full usage of its dynamic range. Microsc. Res. Tech. 76:835–843, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impacts of snow cover fraction data assimilation on modeled energy and moisture budgets
Authors: Arsenault Kristi R. , Houser Paul R. , De Lannoy Gabriëlle J. M. , Dirmeyer Paul A.
Published: June 2013

Two data assimilation (DA) methods, a simple rule‐based direct insertion (DI) approach and a one‐dimensional ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) method, are evaluated by assimilating snow cover fraction observations into the Community Land surface Model. The ensemble perturbation needed for the EnKF resulted in negative snowpack biases. Therefore, a correction is made to the ensemble bias using an approach that constrains the ensemble forecasts with a single unperturbed deterministic LSM run. This is shown to improve the final snow state analyses. The EnKF method produces slightly better results in higher elevation locations, whereas results indicate that the DI method has a performance advantage in lower elevation regions. In addition, the two DA methods are evaluated in terms of their overall impacts on the other land surface state variables (e.g., soil moisture) and fluxes (e.g., latent heat flux). The EnKF method is shown to have less impact overall than the DI method and causes less distortion of the hydrological budget. However, the land surface model adjusts more slowly to the smaller EnKF increments, which leads to smaller but slightly more persistent moisture budget errors than found with the DI updates. The DI method can remove almost instantly much of the modeled snowpack, but this also allows the model system to quickly revert to hydrological balance for nonsnowpack conditions.
19F/18F exchange synthesis for a novel [18F]S1P3‐radiopharmaceutical
Authors: Rokka Johanna , Federico Cesare , Jurttila Jori , Snellman Anniina , Haaparanta Merja , Rinne Juha O. , Solin Olof
Published: June 2013

19F/18F isotope exchange is a useful method to label drug molecules containing 19F‐fluorine with 18F without modifying the drug molecule itself. Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) is an important cellular mediator that functions by signaling through cell surface receptors. S1P is involved in several cell responses and may be related to many central nervous system disorders, including neural malfunction in Alzheimer's disease. In this study, [18F]1‐benzyl‐N‐(3,4‐difluorobenzyl)‐2‐isopropyl‐6‐(2‐methoxyethoxy)‐1H‐indole‐3‐carboxamide, a novel 18F‐labeled positron emission tomography tracer for the S1P3 receptor, was successfully synthesized using the 19F/18F isotope exchange reaction. Parameters of the reaction kinetics were studied, and correlations between the initial 18F‐activity, the amount of precursor, radiochemical yield and specific activity (SA) were determined. Contrary to expectations, high initial 18F‐activity decreased the radiochemical yield, and only a minor increase of SA occurred. This is most probably due to the complexity of the molecule and the subsequent susceptibility to radiolytic bond disruption. On the basis of the present results, a convenient condition for the 19F/18F exchange reaction is the use of 2 µmol precursor with 20 GBq of 18F‐activity. This afforded a radiochemical yield of ~10% with an SA of 0.3 GBq/µmol. Results from this study are of interest for new tracer development where high initial 18F‐activity and 19F/18F isotope exchange is used.
Managing Knowledge in a Construction Company—A Process Model
Authors: Venkateswaran Vijaya , Aundhe Sanjiv
Published: June 2013

This study seeks to understand knowledge management (KM) practices in a high performing Architecture Engineering Construction company. KM practices, which are information technology‐focused, have begun to surface in this sector over the last decade. This sector, being more labor‐intensive and physical, made use of traditional means of KM. It is only since the late 1990s that the Architecture Engineering Construction industry has seen concerted efforts of codifying and sharing knowledge. This case study focuses on the noninformation technology, process dimension of KM within a successful company. It identifies four factors and their attributes and a framework on how knowledge is managed on the basis of these.

The methodology used in this paper is a qualitative grounded theory approach. The organizational events and the work activities are the units of analysis. Both primary and secondary data supported the identification of factors and principles, which are linked in the framework. The major factors identified in the process of managing knowledge have been The Context, the Activities, the Influencers, and the Outcomes. The factor Context consists of the following attributes: core competence enhancing intrapreneurship, systematized knowing, systematized innovating, and project‐based work. The factor Activities has attributes of problem solving in critical activities, participative guidance, and ongoing feedback. The factor Influencers has attributes of regulatory punishment, superlative norms, compulsive perfectionism, attention to detail, and enforcement zeal. The factor Outcomes comprises of the attribute creativity and innovations and improving performance. A framework has been evolved to explain the link between the four factors. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Fibrous Septa in Radiofrequency Heating of Cutaneous and Subcutaneous Tissues: Computational Study
Authors: Jimenez Lozano Joel N. , Vacas‐Jacques Paulino , Anderson R. Rox , Franco Walfre
Published: June 2013

Background and Objectives

Radiofrequency (RF) energy exposure is a popular non‐invasive method for generating heat within cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues. Subcutaneous fat consists of fine collagen fibrous septa meshed with clusters of adipocytes having distinct structural, electrical and thermal properties that affect the distribution and deposition of RF energy. The objectives of this work are to (i) determine the electric and thermal effects of the fibrous septa in the RF heating; (ii) investigate the RF heating of individual fat lobules enclosed by fibrous septa; and, (iii) discuss the clinical implications.

Methods and Results

We used the finite element method to model the two‐dimensional, time‐dependent, electro‐thermal response of a three‐layer tissue (skin, subcutaneous fat, and muscle). We considered two different configurations of subcutaneous fat tissue: a homogenous layer of fat only and a honeycomb‐like layer of fat with septa. Architecture of the fibrous septa was anatomically accurate, constructed from sagittal images from human micro‐MRI. For a large electrode applied to the skin surface, results show that the absorbed electric power density is greater in some septa than in the surrounding fat lobules, favoring the flux of electric current density. Fibers aligned parallel to the electric field have higher electric flux and, consequently, absorb more power. Heat transfer from the septa occurs over time during and after RF energy delivery. There is a greater temperature rise in fat with fibrous septa.

Conclusions

The presence of septa affects the local distribution of the static electric field, facilitates the flux of electric current and enhances the bulk electric power absorption of the subcutaneous fat layer. Fibrous septa aligned with the local electric field have higher absorbed power density than septa oriented perpendicular to the electric field. Individual fat lobules gain heat instantly by local power absorption and, eventually, by diffusion from the surrounding septa. Lasers Surg. Med. 45:326–338, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Physical Gels of Syndiotactic Polystyrene With Fragrant Molecules
Authors: Mochizuki Jun , Tokami Tomokatsu , Kusuki Sho , Sano Takumi , Itagaki Hideyuki
Published: June 2013

The morphology of syndiotactic polystyrene (SPS) with several typical fragrant molecules is studied to clarify what solvent conditions can produce SPS gel, which is expected to be a material that can release fragrance for a long period of time. Eight fragrant solvent molecules are employed to dissolve SPS at high temperatures and the morphologies they show after cooling are checked. Their morphologies can be divided into three: a gel with a three‐dimensional network consisting of a fibrillar structure having the SPS δ phase, a paste‐like state consisting of a non‐lamellar spherulitic structure having the SPS γ phase, and a sherbet‐like state consisting of a lamellar structure having the SPS β phase. Finally, the necessary conditions of a solvent to be able to form an SPS gel turn out to be its molecular size being less than ≈160 Å3 and its Fedors' solubility parameter having a value whose gap from SPS is less than 1.5 (cal/cm3)1/2.

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Assessing the Stabilization of P‐Glycoprotein’s Nucleotide‐Binding Domains by the Linker, Using Molecular Dynamics
Authors: Ferreira Ricardo J. , Ferreira Maria‐José U. , dos Santos Daniel J. V. A.
Published: June 2013

This paper focuses on the importance of the intermediate linker sequence for the stabilization of the cytoplasmic portion of murine P‐glycoprotein, an ABC transporter involved in Multidrug Resistance (MDR) in cancer. Three putative protein‐protein interaction areas were predicted to exist, two of them next to the C‐terminal nucleotide‐binding domain (NBD2) and the third one next to the inner leaflet interface of the lipid bilayer. These contact spots were confirmed by detailed contact maps from structures obtained before and after a 100 ns molecular dynamics production run, allowing a more thorough characterization of the type and number of residues involved in protein‐protein contacts. It was found that these contact surfaces are located next to several highly conserved motifs of ABC transporters, serving as anchor points and assisting the linker’s ‘damper’ function.
Global existence, asymptotic behavior, and uniform attractor for a nonautonomous equation
Authors: Qin Yuming , Ren Jia
Published: June 2013

In this paper, we establish the global existence, asymptotic behavior, and uniform attractor for a nonautonomous viscoelastic equation with a delay term. Under some suitable assumptions, we firstly prove the global well‐posedness of the problem by using the Faedo–Galerkin approximations together with some energy estimates and then obtain the general decay results of the energy via suitable Lyapunov functionals. Finally, we prove the existence of uniform attractors. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatial‐skin effect for eigenvibrations of a thick cascade junction with ‘heavy’ concentrated masses
Authors: Chechkin G. A. , Mel'nyk T. A.
Published: June 2013

A spectral problem for the Laplace operator in a thick cascade junction with concentrated masses is considered. This cascade junction consists of the junction's body and a great number of ϵ‐alternating thin rods belonging to two classes. One class consists of rods of finite length, and the second one consists of rods of small length of order . The density of the junction is of order on the rods from the second class and outside of them. The asymptotic behavior of eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of this problem is studied as ϵ → 0. There exist five qualitatively different cases in the asymptotic behavior of eigenmagnitudes as ϵ → 0, namely the case of ‘light’ concentrated (α ∈ (0,1)), ‘middle’ concentrated (α = 1), and ‘heavy’ concentrated masses (α ∈ (1, + ∞ )) that we divide into ‘slightly heavy’ concentrated (α ∈ (1,2)), ‘intermediate heavy’ concentrated (α = 2), and ‘very heavy’ concentrated masses (α > 2). In the paper, we study in detail the influence of the concentrated masses on the asymptotic behavior if α ∈ (1,2). We construct the leading terms of asymptotic expansions both for the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions and prove the corresponding asymptotic estimates. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Physics‐based protein structure refinement through multiple molecular dynamics trajectories and structure averaging
Authors: Mirjalili Vahid , Noyes Keenan , Feig Michael
Published: June 2013

We used molecular dynamics (MD) simulations for structure refinement of Critical Assessment of Techniques for Protein Structure Prediction 10 (CASP10) targets. Refinement was achieved by selecting structures from the MD‐based ensembles followed by structural averaging. The overall performance of this method in CASP10 is described, and specific aspects are analyzed in detail to provide insight into key components. In particular, the use of different restraint types, sampling from multiple short simulations versus a single long simulation, the success of a quality assessment criterion, the application of scoring versus averaging, and the impact of a final refinement step are discussed in detail. Proteins 2014; 82(Suppl 2):196–207. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
T‐cell epitope‐dependent immune response in inbred (C57BL/6J, SJL/J, and C3H/HeN) and transgenic P301S and Tg2576 mice
Authors: Richter Monique , Hoffmann Ralf , Singer David
Published: June 2013

Alzheimer's disease is characterized by two pathological hallmarks, the intracellular deposition of hyperphosphorylated Tau protein and the extracellular deposition of Aβ1–40/42, both being targets for immunotherapy. This study evaluates the immunogenic properties of three AD‐specific B‐cell epitopes (Tau229–237[pT231/pS235], pyroGluAβ3–8, and Aβ37/38–42/43) linked to five foreign T‐cell epitopes (MVFP, TT, TBC Ag85B, PvT19, and PvT53) by immunizing inbred C57BL/6J (H‐2b), SJL/J (H‐2s2), and C3H/HeN (H‐2k) mice. Two promising candidates with respect to MHC II restriction were selected, and two transgenic mouse models of AD, P301S (H‐2b/k) and Tg2576 (H‐2b/s) animals, were immunized with one B‐cell epitope in combination with two T‐cell epitopes. Responders displayed an enhanced immune response compared with wild‐type animals, which supports the vaccine design and the vaccination strategy. The immune response was also characterized by specific IgG subtype titers, which revealed a strong polarization toward the humoral pathway for immunization of phospho‐Tau, whereas for both Aβ vaccines, a mixed cellular/humoral pathway response was observed. Despite the diversity and unpredictability of the immunogenicity of the peptide vaccines, all three peptide vaccine formulations appear to be promising constructs for future evaluation of their therapeutic properties. Copyright © 2013 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Selective ensemble‐mean technique for tropical cyclone track forecast by using ensemble prediction systems
Authors: Qi Liangbo , Yu Hui , Chen Peiyan
Published: June 2013

This article proposes a selective ensemble‐mean technique for tropical cyclone (TC) track forecast based on the errors of ensemble prediction system (EPS) members at short lead times (SLTs, 12 h in this study). The means (SEAV) and weighted means (SEWE) of selected EPS members are applied to EPS products from the European Centre for Medium‐range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP), and China Meteorological Administration for 35 TCs in the western North Pacific in 2010 and 2011. Verification results show that SEAV behaves better than SEWE, with a skill of 5% to 30% over relevant ensemble means of EPS within 72 h. The SEAV method is the most effective for the JMA EPS, with a skill of 10% even at 96 h. SEAV predictions are compared with the high‐resolution deterministic model predictions of ECMWF and several official forecasts, with special consideration given to the time delay associated with numerical model products in operation. The SEAV for the ECMWF EPS can overcome the high‐resolution ECMWF deterministic model at 24 h. Case analyses and sensitivity tests on the error thresholds of member selection and SLTs are also presented in this article.
New schemes to perturb sea‐surface temperature and soil moisture content in MOGREPS
Authors: Tennant Warren , Beare Sarah
Published: June 2013

This article investigates two schemes that perturb sea‐surface temperatures (SSTs) and soil moisture content (SMC) in the Met Office Global and Regional Ensemble Prediction System (MOGREPS), to address a known deficiency of a lack of ensemble spread near the surface. Results from a two‐month‐long trial during the Northern Hemisphere summer show positive benefits from these schemes. These include a decrease in the spread deficit of surface temperature and improved probabilistic verification scores. SST perturbations exhibit a stronger impact than SMC perturbations but, when combined, the increased spread from the two schemes is cumulative. A regional ensemble system driven by the global ensemble members largely reflects the same changes seen in the global ensemble but cycling fields, like SMC, between successive regional forecasts does show some benefit.
Calcium mobilization in HeLa cells induced by nitric oxide
Authors: Huang Yimei , Zheng Liqin , Yang Hongqin , Chen Jiangxu , Wang Yuhua , Li Hui , Xie Shusen
Published: June 2013

Nitric oxide (NO) has been proposed to be involved in tumor growth and metastasis. However, the mechanism by which nitric oxide modulates cancer cell growth and metastasis on cellular and molecular level is still not fully understood. This work utilized confocal microscopy and fluorescence microplate reader to investigate the effects of exogenous NO on the mobilization of calcium, which is one of the regulators of cell migration, in HeLa cells. The results show that NO elevates calcium in concentration‐dependent manner in HeLa cells. And the elevation of calcium induced by NO is due to calcium influx and calcium release from intracellular calcium stores. Moreover, calcium release from intracellular stores is dominant. Furthermore, calcium release from mitochondria is one of the modulation pathways of NO. These findings would contribute to recognizing the significance of NO in cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. SCANNING 36:258–262, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adaptive Tragwerke – Aktuelle Forschungen im Ultraleichtbau
Authors: Neuhäuser Stefan , Haase Walter , Weickgenannt Martin , Sawodny Oliver
Published: June 2013

Im Hinblick auf die nachhaltige Gestaltung der gebauten Umwelt ist die Optimierung und Gewichtsminimierung tragender Konstruktionen ein wichtiges Forschungsfeld. Das Konzept der adaptiven Tragwerke bietet hier einen neuen Ansatz. Die Eigenschaft, auf veränderliche Beanspruchungen zu reagieren, birgt erhebliche Potentiale hinsichtlich der Leistungssteigerung von Tragkonstruktionen. Der vorliegende Artikel stellt aktuelle Forschungsarbeiten im Bereich adaptiver Tragstrukturen dar. Dabei erfolgt zunächst eine Darstellung der Grundkonzepte adaptiver Systeme. Anschließend wird ein kurzer Überblick über die allgemeine Entwicklung adaptiver Tragwerke im Bauwesen gegeben. Aufbauend darauf werden Ergebnisse aktueller Arbeiten im Bereich der Adaptivität bei Schalentragwerken präsentiert. Die Untersuchungen belegen erfolgreich die Potentiale der Adaptivität hinsichtlich der Minimierung auftretender Bauteilbeanspruchungen und der aktiven Kompensation von Schwingungen. Abschließend werden in diesem Bericht weiterführende Untersuchungen dargestellt.

Adaptive structures – Current research in the field of ultra lightweight structures. In light of the importance of sustainability in the built environment, the optimization and weight minimization of structural systems is an important field of research. In this context, the concept of adaptive structures offers a new approach. The ability to react to variable loading conditions offers the potential to significantly increase the efficiency of load carrying systems. This paper presents current research in the field of adaptive structures. The basic concepts of adaptive systems are described, followed by a brief review of the general development of adaptive structures in civil engineering. Results of current investigations into adaptive shell structures are then presented. These investigations successfully demonstrate the potential of adaptive structures, both with respect to minimization of stresses in the structural components as well as to active damping of vibrations. The paper concludes with an overview of future research areas.