bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Set-up of the PMIP3 paleoclimate experiments conducted using an Earth system model, MIROC-ESM
Authors: Sueyoshi T. , Ohgaito R. , Yamamoto A. , Chikamoto M. O. , Hajima T. , Okajima H. , Yoshimori M. , Abe M. , O'ishi R. , Saito F. , Watanabe S. , Kawamiya M. , Abe-Ouchi A.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Paleoclimate experiments using contemporary climate models are an effective measure to evaluate climate models. In recent years, Earth system models (ESMs) were developed to investigate carbon cycle climate feedbacks, as well as to project the future climate. Paleoclimate events can be suitable benchmarks to evaluate ESMs. The variation in aerosols associated with the volcanic eruptions provide a clear signal in forcing, which can be a good test to check the response of a climate model to the radiation changes. The variations in atmospheric CO2 level or changes in ice sheet extent can be used for evaluation as well. Here we present implementations of the paleoclimate experiments proposed by the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5/Paleoclimate Modelling Intercomparison Project phase 3 (CMIP5/PMIP3) using MIROC-ESM, an ESM based on the global climate model MIROC (Model for Interdisciplinary Research on Climate). In this paper, experimental settings and spin-up procedures of the mid-Holocene, the Last Glacial Maximum, and the Last Millennium experiments are explained. The first two experiments are time slice experiments and the last one is a transient experiment. The complexity of the model requires various steps to correctly configure the experiments. Several basic outputs are also shown.
Comparative assessment of predictions in ungauged basins – Part 3: Runoff signatures in Austria
Authors: Viglione A. , Parajka J. , Rogger M. , Salinas J. L. , Laaha G. , Sivapalan M. , Blöschl G.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. This is the third of a three-part paper series through which we assess the performance of runoff predictions in ungauged basins in a comparative way. Whereas the two previous papers by Parajka et al. (2013) and Salinas et al. (2013) assess the regionalisation performance of hydrographs and hydrological extremes on the basis of a comprehensive literature review of thousands of case studies around the world, in this paper we jointly assess prediction performance of a range of runoff signatures for a consistent and rich dataset. Daily runoff time series are predicted for 213 catchments in Austria by a regionalised rainfall–runoff model and by Top-kriging, a geostatistical estimation method that accounts for the river network hierarchy. From the runoff time-series, six runoff signatures are extracted: annual runoff, seasonal runoff, flow duration curves, low flows, high flows and runoff hydrographs. The predictive performance is assessed in terms of the bias, error spread and proportion of unexplained spatial variance of statistical measures of these signatures in cross-validation (blind testing) mode. Results of the comparative assessment show that, in Austria, the predictive performance increases with catchment area for both methods and for most signatures, it tends to increase with elevation for the regionalised rainfall–runoff model, while the dependence on climate characteristics is weaker. Annual and seasonal runoff can be predicted more accurately than all other signatures. The spatial variability of high flows in ungauged basins is the most difficult to estimate followed by the low flows. It also turns out that in this data-rich study in Austria, the geostatistical approach (Top-kriging) generally outperforms the regionalised rainfall–runoff model.
Optimal depth-based regional frequency analysis
Authors: Wazneh H. , Chebana F. , Ouarda T. B. M. J.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Classical methods of regional frequency analysis (RFA) of hydrological variables face two drawbacks: (1) the restriction to a particular region which can lead to a loss of some information and (2) the definition of a region that generates a border effect. To reduce the impact of these drawbacks on regional modeling performance, an iterative method was proposed recently, based on the statistical notion of the depth function and a weight function φ. This depth-based RFA (DBRFA) approach was shown to be superior to traditional approaches in terms of flexibility, generality and performance. The main difficulty of the DBRFA approach is the optimal choice of the weight function ϕ (e.g., φ minimizing estimation errors). In order to avoid a subjective choice and naïve selection procedures of φ, the aim of the present paper is to propose an algorithm-based procedure to optimize the DBRFA and automate the choice of ϕ according to objective performance criteria. This procedure is applied to estimate flood quantiles in three different regions in North America. One of the findings from the application is that the optimal weight function depends on the considered region and can also quantify the region's homogeneity. By comparing the DBRFA to the canonical correlation analysis (CCA) method, results show that the DBRFA approach leads to better performances both in terms of relative bias and mean square error.
Towards quantifying the increase of rainfall interception during secondary forest succession
Authors: Zimmermann B. , Zimmermann A. , Scheckenbach H. L. , Schmid T. , Hall J. S. , van Breugel M.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Large scale forest regrowth is one aspect of modern land-cover change. Yet, despite the importance of understanding the hydrological consequences of land cover dynamics, the relation between forest succession and canopy interception is poorly understood. This lack of knowledge is unfortunate because rainfall interception plays an important role in regional water cycles and needs to be quantified for many modelling purposes. To help close this knowledge gap, we designed a throughfall monitoring study along a secondary succession gradient in a tropical forest region of Panama. The investigated gradient comprises 20 natural forest patches regrowing for 3 up to about 130 yr. We sampled each patch with a minimum of 20 funnel-type throughfall collectors over a continuous two-month period that had nearly 900 mm of rain. At the same time and locations, we acquired forest inventory data and derived several forest structural attributes. We then applied simple and multiple regression models (Bayesian Model Averaging, BMA) and identified those vegetation parameters that have the strongest influence on the variation of canopy interception. Our analyses provide three main findings. First, canopy interception changes rapidly during forest succession. After only a decade, throughfall volumes approach levels that are typical for mature forests. Second, a parsimonious (simple linear regression) model based on the ratio of the basal area of small stems to the total basal area outperformed more complex multivariate models (BMA approach). Third, based on complementary forest inventory data we show that the influence of young secondary forests on interception in real-world fragmented landscapes might be detectable only in regions with a substantial fraction of very young forests. In case entire catchments are subject to forest regrowth, initial stages may be associated with undesirable effects on streamflow generation. Our results further highlight the need to study all forest succession stages, including early ones.
Potential Clinical Applications of Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors and their Future Prospects
Authors: Li Wenzhao , Saji Shigehira , Sato Fumiaki , Noda Makoto , Toi Masakazu
Published: June 2013

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are endopeptidases that are involved in extracellular matrix degradation. They are also implicated in a number of abnormal bioprocesses, such as tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. Therefore, controlling MMP activities has generated considerable interest as a possible therapeutic target. The tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are the major naturally occurring proteins that specifically inhibit MMPs and assist in maintaining the balance between extracellular matrix destruction and formation. However, TIMPs are probably not suitable for pharmacological applications due to their short half-lives in vivo. During the last few decades, synthetic MMP inhibitors (MMPIs) have undergone rapid clinical development in attempts to control MMP enzymatic activities in abnormal bioprocesses. Although studies with these agents have met with limited clinical success, the field of MMPIs is still expanding, and generation of highly effective and selective MMPIs might be a promising direction of this research area.
Clinicopathological and Prognostic Significance of p27 Expression in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Gao Ling , Gu Wanjie , Zheng Jingjing , Ren Wenhao , Chang Su'e , Wang Xiaolong , Li Shaoming , Song Tusheng , Huang Chen , Zhi Keqian
Published: June 2013

Despite being already known that p27 can regulate cell proliferation, cell motility and apoptosis, the role of p27 expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively evaluate, with a meta-analysis, the clinicopathological and prognostic role of p27 expression in OSCC. A meta-analysis of eligible studies was performed to assess the effects of p27 expression on clinicopathological parameters and overall survival (OS) in patients with OSCC, using pooled relative risks with 95% confidence intervals. Heterogeneity and publication bias were also assessed. Fourteen studies involving a total of 1,010 patients met the inclusion criteria. Low p27 expression was significantly associated with advanced TNM stage (p<0.001), worse histology (p=0.025), and lymph node metastasis (p<0.001), but not with tumor size (p=0.181). The pooled RR of 0.743 (p=0.002) suggested that low p27 expression has a poor prognosis in patients with OSCC. A significant heterogeneity among studies was detected for lymph node status (χ2=34.60, I2=68.2%, p<0.001) and OS (χ2=14.86, I2=39.4%, p=0.095). We did not detect a significant publication bias in this meta-analysis. Our meta-analysis suggests that p27 expression status might be useful as a predictive biomarker in clinical practice, and might potently predict OS in OSCC patients.
The Strategic Importance of Supplier Relationships in the Automotive Industry
Authors: Brandes Ove , Brege Staffan , Brehmer Per-Olof
Published: June 2013

The aim of this paper is to analyse longitudinally the development of purchasing strategies in the automotive industry during the last 20 years. The amplitude of the business cycle during this time frame has been very high and includes periods of financial/automotive crisis as well as high sales and demand. Our empirical data is primarily drawn from a 1990–2010 longitudinal case study of the relationship between automaker Volvo Personal Cars and Autoliv, a supplier of seat belts and airbags, complemented with secondary data framing the development of the industry level. The theoretical focus is on outsourcing and purchasing strategies developed within long-lasting buyer-supplier relationships; theoretical pillars are found in transaction-cost theories and the resource-based view of the firm. Based on the longitudinal case study, our analysis pinpoints the importance of intimate cooperation between customer and supplier in areas close to the core values and core competences of the buyer (that is, the automaker). From an industry-level perspective, the winners in the automobile industry from 2010 and onwards have been and will be those who can organize long-term collaboration partnerships between the automakers, their suppliers, and the political stakeholders, and who can outsource a large part of the technical development to the suppliers in areas also close to the core competences. The automakers must accept that their suppliers have competing automakers as their customers and search for synergies in their product portfolio. Theoretically, there is a need for conceptual development through deeper studies of the firm's relational capability and its implications.
Local Environment Recognition System Using Modified SURF-Based 3D Panoramic Environment Map for Obstacle Avoidance of a Humanoid Robot
Authors: Kang Tae-Koo , Choi In-Hwan , Park Gwi-Tae , Lim Myo-Taeg
Published: June 2013

This paper addresses a local environment recognition system for obstacle avoidance. In vision systems, obstacles that are located beyond the Field of View (FOV) cannot be detected precisely. To deal with the FOV problem, we propose a 3D Panoramic Environment Map (PEM) using a Modified SURF algorithm (MSURF). Moreover, in order to decide the avoidance direction and motion automatically, we also propose a Complexity Measure (CM) and Fuzzy-Logic-based Avoidance Motion Selector (FL-AMS). The CM is utilized to decide an avoidance direction for obstacles. The avoidance motion is determined using FL-AMS, which considers environmental conditions such as the size of obstacles and available space. The proposed system is applied to a humanoid robot built by the authors. The results of the experiment show that the proposed method can be effectively applied to a practical environment.
An Improved Chaotic Motion Path Planner for Autonomous Mobile Robots Based on a Logistic Map
Authors: Li Caihong , Wang Fengying , Zhao Lei , Li Yibin , Song Yong
Published: June 2013

This paper presents a chaotic motion path planner based on a Logistic Map (SCLCP) for an autonomous mobile robot to cover an unknown terrain randomly, namely entirely, unpredictably and evenly. The path planner has been improved by arcsine and arccosine transformation. A motion path planner based only on the Logistic Chaotic Map (LCP) can show chaotic behaviour, which possesses the chaotic characteristics of topological transitivity and unpredictability, but lacks better evenness. Therefore, the arcsine and arccosine transformations are used to enhance the randomness of LCP. The randomness of the followed path planner, LCP, the improved path planner SCLCP and the commonly used Random Path Planner (RP) are discussed and compared under different sets of initial conditions and different iteration rounds. Simulation results confirm that a better evenness index of SCLCP can be obtained with regard to previous works.
Vision-Aided Inertial Navigation for Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in GPS-Denied Environments
Authors: Wang Tianmiao , Wang Chaolei , Liang Jianhong , Chen Yang , Zhang Yicheng
Published: June 2013

This paper presents a vision-aided inertial navigation system for small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in GPS-denied environments. During visual estimation, image features in consecutive frames are detected and matched to estimate the motion of the vehicle with a homography-based approach. Afterwards, the visual measurement is fused with the output of an inertial measurement unit (IMU) by an indirect extended Kalman filter (EKF). A delay-based approach for the measurement update is developed to introduce the visual measurement into the fusion without state augmentation. This method supposes that the estimated error state is stable and invariant during the second half of one visual calculation period. Simulation results indicate that delay-based navigation can reduce the computational complexity by about 20% compared with general augmented Vision/INS (inertial navigation system) navigation, with almost the same estimate accuracy. Real experiments were also carried out to test the performance of the proposed navigation system by comparison with the augmented filter method and a referential GPS/INS navigation.
Evaluation of Carboxymethyl-Hexanoyl Chitosan as a Protein Nanocarrier
Authors: Larsson Mikael , Borde Annika , Mattisson Emma , Liu Dean-Mo , Larsson Anette
Published: June 2013

Carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan (CHC) has the ability to self-assemble into nanocapsules in an aqueous solution and it has recently shown potential in numerous biomedical applications. Here we investigate the protein loading efficiency and release, as well as the structural properties of CHC protein nanocarriers. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) or its chromophore labelled version, fluorescein-BSA, was used as a model protein and the loading was performed with a simple mixing of pre-formed nanocapsules and protein. Dynamic light scattering and zeta potential analysis revealed that protein loaded nanocarriers with high positive zeta potential were formed. The protein loaded nanocarriers displayed a loading efficiency of 75% and a very slow protein release. In summary, our results highlight the potential of CHC as a protein nanocarrier, but also indicate that protein-CHC interactions need to be considered in protein containing CHC formulations where protein release is not the main function.
Digital Technology, Virtual Worlds, and Ethical Change
Authors: Bauwens Joke , Verstrynge Karl ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: June 2013

This paper questions the shifting meaning of the ethical categories of proximity and alterity in the light of the technological and social changes that virtual social worlds went through. It takes Roger Silverstone’s key theme of “proper distance” as a point of departure, and discusses the significance of this concept by linking it up with the more media-theoretical approaches on virtual communication as developed in McLuhan’s and Baudrillard’s body of thought. It is argued that today’s virtual realities ask for both a philosophical and media-sociological reconsideration of the traditional ethical category of alterity. As such, it links up with Feenberg’s idea that “online groups are indeed a qualitatively new medium” (A. Feenberg and M. Bakardjieva, “Virtual Community: No ‘Killer Implication,’” New Media & Society 6(1) (2004): 37–43, 41), but at the same time challenges Feenberg’s reservations about a theory of media centrism.
The Mailman Problem
Authors: Van Den Eede Yoni ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: June 2013

Critical theory of technology (CTT) and postphenomenology (PostPhen) complement each other finely. Yet whereas CTT runs the risk of negating the interwovenness of humans and technology, a problem partly resolved by PostPhen, PostPhen itself threatens to neglect its very own base, i.e., the condition of technology and society being first and foremost human endeavors. This paper suggests not to decry these two approaches but to add a third component in order to compensate for their deficiencies. That third partner consists of a new-fledged version of philosophical anthropology elaborated on the basis of the media theory of Marshall McLuhan. I am here mainly concerned with how such an approach can supplement CTT, which it does by offering an account of technological mediation that harbors not only a relational-ontological but also—in contrast with PostPhen—a substantivist-ontological aspect, and in addition a proper theory of technological blindness, much needed to make sense of perceptive biases and meaning-constituting activities in everyday life. I will illustrate these issues by way of what I dub ‘the Mailman Problem’: a sketch of a very mundane instance of “deworlding” that is, however, not perceived as such.
Constitutions and Democracy in Post-National Times: A Political-Sociological Approach
Authors: Blokker Paul
Published: June 2013

The modern idea of the constitution is closely tied up with the political form of the nation-state, but the post-national age assists various challenges to this idea, not least due to the emergence of constitutional or quasi-constitutional regimes both beyond and below the nation-state. While a good, and steadily growing, amount of research probes the constitutional dimensions on the international and supranational levels, the domestic dimensions and related transformations, and in particular the implications of constitutional pluralism for meaningful democratic practice, seem, however, less prominent in current debate. Domestic constitutional dynamics and conflict, not least regarding democratic participation, can be fruitfully analysed through the lens of a political-sociological approach to constitutions and constitutionalism. In order to outline such an approach in one specific way, firstly, the recent (re-) emergence of constitutional sociology is discussed. Secondly, constitutional sociology is situated within a wider debate on constitutionalism and democracy. Thirdly, a sociological, ‘historical-functionalist’ approach to the analysis of constitutions is proposed, which is then related to a comparative and interpretative political sociology of constitutional discourses and political, legal, and social critique.
Compromise, Democracy and Territory
Authors: Nine Cara
Published: June 2013

Territorial rights come with both costs (war, inequality and oppression) and benefits (political participation, coordinated use of resources). The immense importance of these normative aspects of territorial rights solidifies our need for a principled theory of territory. With globalisation and transnational interactions, a cosmopolitan account of territorial rights is required – it should justify territorial authority generally. This generalised justification must also provide an account of the special, normative relationship that certain groups have with certain lands and resources, providing groups with special claims to particular lands. Since democratic theory values territoriality for its necessary relationship to equality and individual autonomy, a comprehensive democratic account of territorial rights presents a real possibility for explaining territorial claims from cosmopolitan ideals. Unfortunately, democratic accounts of territoriality suffer a serious drawback; they cannot give a comprehensive account of self-determination rights over particular land and resources. On the contrary, democratic theory addresses only persons – how they should be treated and how their associations should be organised. The first half of this article explains how democratic accounts of self-determination are wanting in specific ways. The second half presents an alternative account of the right of self-determination and territorial rights as a feature of compromise. Because compromise is an essential element of democracy and an important element of justice, it can be used to explain the unique connection that democracies have with a particular territory. Through this theory of compromise, we can explain the scope, longevity and breadth of a democracy's territorial rights from cosmopolitan ideals. However, this account has acute limitations. As merely an initial sketch of theoretical connections between democracy and territory, it does not yet offer an account of the complicated territorial issues of transnational democratic associations. In fact, the theory from compromise reveals a vital obstacle for the establishment of borders, especially in cases of possible secession.
Cosmopolitanism and the Negotiation of Borders
Authors: Calloni Marina
Published: June 2013

Cosmopolitanism is one of the most resistant debates in the history of thought and civil society. However, little attention has been focused on the meaning that borders have in the definition of this normative construct over time. Namely, cosmopolitanism is always a matter of negotiation and overcoming of delineated borders in the crisis of given political entities. This article is structured as follows: (1) a reconstruction of some philosophical debates on cosmopolitanism in antiquity in order to show the changing meaning of this dialectic concept; (2) an exploration of the meaning of cosmopolitanism in relation to the birth of the nation-state and the rise of the human rights discourse, stressing the paradigm shift in sociological terms; (3) the concept of a cosmopolitan democracy in the crisis of the nation-state and in the new geo-political scenario; (4) a cross-border idea of human dignity in the form of ‘immanent universalism’ and counter-factual cosmopolitanism, intrinsic to the context of daily life; (5) challenges to the limits of cosmopolitanism, as shown by the condition of asylum seekers and refugees nowadays, where the tension between ‘borders’, i.e. universal principles, international norms and domestic legislations, becomes evident.
Perinatally HIV‐Infected Adolescents
Authors:   And Author Index Complete File Incl Table Of Contents
Published: June 2013

This special issue highlights the emerging needs and challenges associated with care and treatment management of perinatally HIV‐infected children who are surviving into adolescence. The articles in this special issue discuss various issues related to the well‐being of HIV‐infected children and adolescents, including heart, kidney, lung, bone and mental health as well as their epidemiology, metabolism and neurodevelopment. The topics covered in this special issue are current in light of the scarcity of information available related to children with long‐term exposure to HIV and multiple antiretrovirals as they transition to adolescence and further into adulthood. Understanding the complexities around the management of antiretroviral therapy in perinatally HIV‐infected adolescents, who are moving to adult care, and identifying the special needs of these youth is essential for ensuring long and productive lives for this growing population. The special issue is part of the International AIDS Society's “Collaborative Initiative on Paediatric HIV Education and Research” (CIPHER), supported through an unrestricted educational grant from ViiV Healthcare's Paediatric Innovation Seed Fund.(Published: 18 June 2013)Citation: Journal of the International AIDS Society 2013, 16:18778 http://www.jiasociety.org/index.php/jias/article/view/18778 | http://dx.doi.org/10.7448/IAS.16.1.18778 http://www.jiasociety.org/index.php/jias/pages/view/thematicadolescents
CircumArctic Rangifer monitoring and assessment (CARMA) network – origins, goals, accomplishments and future
Authors: Russell Don E. , Kofinas Gary , Gunn Anne , White Robert G. , Kutz Susan
Published: June 2013

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CARMA’s MERRA-based caribou range climate database
Authors: Russell Don E. , Whitfield Paul H. , Cai Jing , Gunn Anne , White Robert G. , Poole Kim
Published: June 2013

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Population survey of Peary caribou (Rangifer tarandus pearyi) and muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) on Banks Island, Northwest Territories, July 2010
Authors: Davison Tracy , Pongracz Jodie , Williams Judy
Published: June 2013

We conducted a systematic aerial transect survey of Peary caribou (Rangifer tarandus pearyi) and muskoxen (Ovibus moschatus) on Banks Island, Northwest Territories, in July 2010. The population estimate of adult Peary caribou was 1097 ± 343 (95% Confidence Interval: CI), which is not significantly different from the 2005 estimate of 929 ± 289 (95% CI; P < 0.05). The current number, however, is a 4- to 9-fold decrease since the 1980s. The adult muskoxen population estimate was 36 676 ± 4031 (95% CI), which is significantly lower than the 2005 estimate of 47 209 ± 3997 (95% CI; P < 0.05).
CARMA’s approach for the collaborative and inter-disciplinary assessment of cumulative effects
Authors: Gunn Anne , Russell Don E. , Daniel Colin J. , White Robert G. , Kofinas Gary
Published: June 2013

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Preface
Authors: Hegel Troy
Published: June 2013

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ZnO Nanoparticles Applied to Bioimaging and Drug Delivery
Authors: Xiong Huan‐Ming
Published: June 2013

The last decade has seen significant achievements in biomedical diagnosis and therapy at the levels of cells and molecules. Nanoparticles with luminescent or magnetic properties are used as detection probes and drug carriers, both in vitro and in vivo. ZnO nanoparticles, due to their good biocompatibility and low cost, have shown promising potential in bioimaging and drug delivery. The recent exciting progress on the biomedical applications of ZnO‐based nanomaterials is reviewed here, along with discussions on the advantages and limitations of these advanced materials and suggestions for improving methods.
Modeling of ferric sulfate decomposition and sulfation of potassium chloride during grate‐firing of biomass
Authors: Wu Hao , Jespersen Jacob Boll , Frandsen Flemming Jappe , Glarborg Peter , Aho Martti , Paakkinen Kari , Taipale Raili
Published: June 2013

Ferric sulfate is used as an additive in biomass combustion to convert the released potassium chloride to the less harmful potassium sulfate. The decomposition of ferric sulfate is studied in a fast heating rate thermogravimetric analyzer and a volumetric reaction model is proposed to describe the process. The yields of sulfur oxides from ferric sulfate decomposition under boiler conditions are investigated experimentally, revealing a distribution of approximately 40% SO3 and 60% SO2. The ferric sulfate decomposition model is combined with a detailed kinetic model of gas‐phase KCl sulfation and a model of K2SO4 condensation to simulate the sulfation of KCl by ferric sulfate addition. The simulation results show good agreements with experiments conducted in a biomass grate‐firing reactor. The results indicate that the SO3 released from ferric sulfate decomposition is the main contributor to KCl sulfation and that the effectiveness of ferric sulfate addition is sensitive to the applied temperature conditions. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 4314–4324, 2013
Mixing behaviors of wet granular materials in gas fluidized bed systems
Authors: Chuan Lim Eldin Wee , Hee Tan Reginald Beng , Xiao Zongyuan
Published: June 2013

The discrete element method combined with computational fluid dynamics was coupled with a capillary liquid bridge force model for computational studies of mixing behaviors in gas fluidized bed systems containing wet granular materials. Due to the presence of strong capillary liquid bridge forces between wet particles, relative motions between adjacent particles were hindered. There was a high tendency for wet particles to form large aggregates within which independent motions of individual particles were limited. This resulted in much lower mixing efficiencies in comparison with fluidization of dry particles. Capillary liquid bridge forces were on average stronger than both fluid drag forces and particle–particle collision forces and this accounted for the difficulty with which individual particles could be removed and transferred between aggregates. Such exchange of particles between aggregates was necessary for mixing to occur during fluidization of wet granular materials but required strong capillary liquid bridge forces to be overcome. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 4058–4067, 2013
A novel porous‐dense dual‐layer composite membrane reactor with long‐term stability
Authors: Jiang Wei , Zhang Guangru , Liu Zhengkun , Zhang Kai , Jin Wanqin
Published: June 2013

A porous‐dense dual‐layer composite membrane reactor was proposed. The dual‐layer composite membrane composed of dense 0.5 wt % Nb2O5‐doped SrCo0.8Fe0.2O3‐δ (SCFNb) layer and porous Ba0.3Sr0.7Fe0.9Mo0.1O3‐δ (BSFM) layer was prepared. The stability of SCFNb membrane reactor was improved significantly by the porous‐dense dual‐layer design philosophy. The porous BSFM surface‐coating layer can effectively reduce the corrosion of the reducing atmosphere to the membrane, whereas the dense SCFNb layer permeated oxygen effectively. Compared with single‐layer dense SCFNb membrane reactor, no degradation of performance was observed in the dual‐layer membrane reactor under partial oxidation of methane during continuously operating for 1500 h at 850°C. At 900°C, oxygen flux of 18.6 mL (STP: Standard Temperature and Pressure) cm−2 min−1, hydrogen production of 53.67 mL (STP) cm−2 min−1, CH4 conversion of 99.34% and CO selectivity of about 94% were achieved. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 4355–4363, 2013
Beryllium disease among construction trade workers at department of Energy nuclear sites
Authors: Welch Laura S. , Ringen Knut , Dement John , Bingham Eula , Quinn Patricia , Shorter Janet , Fisher Miles
Published: June 2013

Background

A medical surveillance program was developed to identify current and former construction workers at significant risk for beryllium related disease from work at the DOE nuclear weapons facilities, and to improve surveillance among beryllium exposed workers.

Methods

Medical examinations included a medical history and a beryllium blood lymphocyte proliferation test (BeLPT). Stratified and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to explore the risk of disease by age, race, trade, and reported work in buildings where beryllium was used. After adjusting for covariates, the risk of BeS was significantly higher among boilermakers, roofers, and sheet metal workers, as suggested in the stratified analyses. Workers identified as sensitized to beryllium were interviewed to determine whether they had been subsequently diagnosed with chronic beryllium disease.

Results

Between 1998 and December 31, 2010 13,810 workers received a BeLPT through the BTMed program; 189 (1.4%) were sensitized to beryllium, and 28 reported that they had had a compensation claim accepted for CBD.

Conclusions

These data on former construction workers gives us additional information about the predictive value of the blood BeLPT test for detection of CBD in populations with lower total lifetime exposures and more remote exposures than that experienced by current workers in beryllium machining operations. Through this surveillance program we have identified routes of exposures to beryllium and worked with DOE site personnel to identity and mitigate those exposures which still exist, as well as helping to focus attention on the risk for beryllium exposure among current demolition workers at these facilities. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:1125–1136, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
QTc interval and electrocardiographic changes by type of shift work
Authors: Meloni Michele , Setzu Davide , Del Rio Alberto , Campagna Marcello , Cocco Pierluigi
Published: June 2013

Background

We conducted a cross sectional survey of electrocardiographic changes among shift‐workers.

Methods

We classified the electrocardiogram morphology, and measured the QTc interval in 91 male workers engaged in regular daily work‐shifts, 32 in 24 hr work‐shift (h24), and 93 in irregular 6 hr work‐shift (h6).

Results

With reference to daily workers, the QTc interval was prolonged among h6 workers (P < 0.001) and h24 workers (P < 0.005). The age‐ and obesity‐adjusted standardized prevalence ratio (SPR) of a borderline/prolonged QTc was 2.2‐fold among h6 workers (95% CI 1.2, 4.2); conduction disorders (SPR = 2.6; 95% CI 1.3, 5.2) and repolarization disorders (SPR = 1.9; 95% CI 1.0, 3.5) were also more frequently observed among h6 workers. Excluding 19 subjects with risk factors for prolonged QTc did not change the results.

Conclusions

Our study reveals significant changes in the ECG morphology in relation to shift‐work, especially in unpredictable and non‐standard working hours. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:1174–1179, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electrochemical Magnetoimmunosensing Approach for the Sensitive Detection of H9N2 Avian Influenza Virus Particles
Authors: Zhou Chuan‐Hua , Shu Yun , Hong Zheng‐Yuan , Pang Dai‐Wen , Zhang Zhi‐Ling
Published: June 2013

A novel electrochemical magnetoimmunosensor for fast and ultrasensitive detection of H9N2 avian influenza virus particles (H9N2 AIV) was designed based on the combination of high‐efficiency immunomagnetic separation, enzyme catalytic amplification, and the biotin–streptavidin system. The reusable, homemade magneto Au electrode (M‐AuE) was designed and used for the direct sensing. Immunocomplex‐coated magnetic beads (IMBs) were easily accumulated on the surface of the M‐AuE to obtain the catalytically reduced electrochemical signal of H2O2 after the immunoreaction. The transducer was regenerated through a simple washing procedure, which made it possible to detect all the samples on a single electrode with higher reproducibility. The magnetic‐bead‐based electrochemical immunosensor showed better analytical performance than the planar‐electrode‐based immunosensor with the same sandwich construction. Amounts as low as 10 pg mL−1 H9N2 AIV could be detected even in samples of chicken dung. This electrochemical magnetoimmunosensor not only provides a simple platform for the detection of the virus with high sensitivity, selectivity, and reproducibility but also shows great potential in the early diagnosis of diseases.
Two Unusual 3D POM‐Ag Frameworks with Tetragonal and Dodecagonal Helical Channels
Authors: Sha Jingquan , Li Mengting , Sun Jingwen , Yan Pengfei , Li Guangming , Zhang Lei
Published: June 2013

Two new hybrid compounds with tetragonal and dodecagonal helical channels, K[Ag14(pyttz)4(H2O)2][PW12O40]2⋅(OH)⋅5 H2O (1) and K[Ag14(pyttz)4(H2O)4][HSiW12O40]2⋅H2O (2), have been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by using routine techniques. X‐ray diffraction analysis shows that compounds 1 and 2 are isostructural and crystallize in the monoclinic space group P21/c. A fascinating structural feature of these compounds is that they form 3D POM‐Ag frameworks with helical channels, which are the first examples of helical channels that are constructed from POMs and metal atoms. Notably, there are two types of spatial orientation of the POMs, which result in the formations of left‐ and right‐handed helical chains. Furthermore, these different helical chains are perfectly enclosed through shared POMs, thereby forming tetragonal and dodecagonal helical channels. In addition, the photocatalytic degradation of RhB by these compounds was also investigated.
Using sound to represent uncertainty in UKCP09 data with Google Maps API
Authors: Bearman Nick , Jones Phil , Lovett Andrew
Published: June 2013

The UK Climate Projections 2009 (UKCP09) dataset contains future climate projections for the UK and a measure of uncertainty for these values. Understanding both types of data is important for scientific interpretation, but just presenting information visually has limitations because of the amount of data involved. This study evaluates the use of sound to represent uncertainty using a survey tool developed with Google Maps API (Application Programming Interface) (n = 72). Use of sound to reinforce visual information results in significantly better performance for participants (p = 0.006), and participants also performed more effectively with pre‐existing knowledge of the dataset and with practice.
What is the relationship between China summer precipitation and the change of apparent heat source over the Tibetan Plateau?
Authors: Xu Xiangde , Lu Chungu , Ding Yihui , Shi Xiaohui , Guo Yudi , Zhu Wenhui
Published: June 2013

It is well documented that the East Asian summer monsoon has been experiencing a steady weakening trend in recent decades. Because the Asian summer monsoon (including both East Asian monsoon and South Asian monsoon) is the largest and most pronounced monsoonal system in the world, its change in strength may exert a profound impact on global weather and climate systems, especially on the rainfall pattern in South and East Asia. On the other hand, as a vast elevated landmass, the Tibetan Plateau forms a huge heat source protruding into the free atmosphere. Setting against the backdrop of global climate change, whether or not does the change of this heating affect the change of Asian summer monsoon and thus rainfall distribution? Here we show that the apparent heat source over the Tibetan Plateau is closely correlated with the East Asian summer monsoonal circulation, and that the weakening of the East Asian summer monsoon is closely associated with the decreasing trend of the Tibetan Plateau apparent heat source. Further analysis indicates that the change of rainfall pattern in China in recent decades is consistent with the decreasing of the East Asian summer monsoon.
Review and comparison of ROC curve estimators for a time‐dependent outcome with marker‐dependent censoring
Authors: Blanche Paul , Dartigues Jean‐François , Jacqmin‐Gadda Hélène
Published: June 2013

To quantify the ability of a marker to predict the onset of a clinical outcome in the future, time‐dependent estimators of sensitivity, specificity, and ROC curve have been proposed accounting for censoring of the outcome. In this paper, we review these estimators, recall their assumptions about the censoring mechanism and highlight their relationships and properties. A simulation study shows that marker‐dependent censoring can lead to important biases for the ROC estimators not adapted to this case. A slight modification of the inverse probability of censoring weighting estimators proposed by Uno et al. (2007) and Hung and Chiang (2010a) performs as well as the nearest neighbor estimator of Heagerty et al. (2000) in the simulation study and has interesting practical properties. Finally, the estimators were used to evaluate abilities of a marker combining age and a cognitive test to predict dementia in the elderly. Data were obtained from the French PAQUID cohort. The censoring appears clearly marker‐dependent leading to appreciable differences between ROC curves estimated with the different methods.
ZnS quantum dots‐based fluorescence spectroscopic technique for the detection of quercetin
Authors: Wu Dudu , Chen Zhi
Published: June 2013

Water‐soluble ZnS quantum dots (QDs) modified by mercaptoacetic acid (MPA) were used to determinate quercetin in aqueous solutions by a fluorescence spectroscopic technique. The results showed that the fluorescence of the modified ZnS QDs could be quenched by quercetin effectively in physiological buffer solution. The optimum fluorescence intensity was found to be at incubation time 10 min, pH 7.0 and temperature 25°C. Under the optimal conditions, the detection limit of quercetin was 5.71 × 10‐7 mol/L. Moreover, the quenching mechanism was discussed to be a static quenching procedure, which was proved by the quenching rate constant Kq (1.14 × 1013 L/mol/s). Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PEG chain length impacts yield of solid‐phase protein PEGylation and efficiency of PEGylated protein separation by ion‐exchange chromatography: Insights of mechanistic models
Authors: Yoshimoto Noriko , Isakari Yu , Itoh Daisuke , Yamamoto Shuichi
Published: June 2013

The mechanisms behind protein PEGylation are complex and dictated by the structure of the protein reactant. Hence, it is difficult to design a reaction process which can produce the desired PEGylated form at high yield. Likewise, efficient purification processes following protein PEGylation must be constructed on an ad hoc basis for each product. The retention and binding mechanisms driving electrostatic interaction‐based chromatography (ion‐exchange chromatography) of PEGylated proteins (randomly PEGylated lysozyme and mono‐PEGylated bovine serum albumin) were investigated, based on our previously developed model Chem. Eng. Technol. 2005, 28, 1387–1393. PEGylation of each protein resulted in a shift to a smaller elution volume compared to the unmodified molecule, but did not affect the number of binding sites appreciably. The shift of the retention volume of PEGylated proteins correlated with the calculated thickness of PEG layer around the protein molecule. Random PEGylation was carried out on a column (solid‐phase PEGylation) and the PEGylated proteins were separated on the same column. Solid‐phase PEGylation inhibited the production of multi‐PEGylated forms and resulted in a relatively low yield of selective mono‐PEGylated form. Pore diffusion may play an important role in solid‐phase PEGylation. These results suggest the possibility of a reaction and purification process development based on the mechanistic model for PEGylated proteins on ion exchange chromatography.
Computational protein design with electrostatic focusing: Experimental characterization of a conditionally folded helical domain with a reduced amino acid alphabet
Authors: Suárez‐Diez Maria , Pujol Anaïs M. , Matzapetakis Manolis , Jaramillo Alfonso , Iranzo Olga
Published: June 2013

Automated methodologies to design synthetic proteins from first principles use energy computations to estimate the ability of the sequences to adopt a targeted structure. This approach is still far from systematically producing native‐like sequences, due, most likely, to inaccuracies when modeling the interactions between the protein and its aqueous environment. This is particularly challenging when engineering small protein domains (with less polar pair interactions than with the solvent). We have re‐designed a three‐helix bundle, domain B, using a fixed backbone and a four amino acid alphabet. We have enlarged the rotamer library with conformers that increase the weight of electrostatic interactions within the design process without altering the energy function used to compute the folding free energy. Our synthetic sequences show less than 15% similarity to any Swissprot sequence. We have characterized our sequences in different solvents using circular dichroism and nuclear magnetic resonance. The targeted structure achieved is dependent on the solvent used. This method can be readily extended to larger domains. Our method will be useful for the engineering of proteins that become active only in a given solvent and for designing proteins in the context of hydrophobic solvents, an important fraction of the situations in the cell.
Development and validation of a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method for topotecan determination in beagle dog plasma and its application in a bioequivalence study
Authors: Ye Ling , Shi Jian , Wan Shanhe , Yang Xiaoshan , Wang Ying , Zhang Jiajie , Zheng Dayong , Liu Zhongqiu
Published: June 2013

Topotecan (TPT) is an important anti‐cancer drug that inhibits topoisomerase I. A sensitive and robust liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) method that potentially determines TPT in beagle dog plasma is needed for a bioequivalence study of TPT formulations. We developed and validated LC‐MS/MS to evaluate TPT in beagle dog plasma in terms of specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy, stability, extraction recovery and matrix effect. Plasma samples were treated with an OstroTM sorbent plate (a robust and effective tool) to eliminate phospholipids and proteins before analysis. TPT and camptothecin (internal standard) were separated on an Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column (1.7 µm, 2.1 × 50 mm) with 0.1% formic acid and methanol as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.25 mL/min. TPT was analyzed using positive ion electrospray ionization in multiple‐reaction monitoring mode. The obtained lower limit of quantitation was 1 ng/mL (signal‐to‐noise ratio > 10). The standard calibration curve for TPT was linear (correlation coefficient > 0.99) at the concentration range of 1–400 ng/mL. The intra‐day and inter‐day precision, accuracy, stability, extraction recovery and matrix effect of TPT were within the acceptable limits. The validated method was successfully applied in a bioequivalence study of TPT in healthy beagle dogs. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Turning healthcare challenges into big data opportunities: A use‐case review across the pharmaceutical development lifecycle
Authors: Schultz Timothy
Published: June 2013

Editor's Summary

In order to draw meaning from the exponentially increasing quantity of healthcare data, it must be dealt with from a big data perspective, using technologies capable of processing massive amounts of data efficiently and securely. The pharmaceutical industry faces the big data challenge through all phases of the drug development lifecycle. Genomics, clinical monitoring and pharmacovigilance illustrate the value of a big data approach. Whether focusing on genetic and environmental disease risks, pattern detection through real time biosensors for patients or post‐market monitoring of drug effectiveness, each area involves the collection and analysis of numerous variables and requires extreme computing power to reveal the details of interplay between the variables. To make big data work for pharmaceutical information, attention must be paid to data collection on a vast scale, from multiple sites and over long time periods. Big data support must be incorporated into interoperable electronic medical records and presented intuitively through visual analytics.