bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel approach to probabilistic biomarker‐based classification using functional near‐infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Hahn Tim , Marquand Andre F. , Plichta Michael M. , Ehlis Ann‐Christine , Schecklmann Martin W. , Dresler Thomas , Jarczok Tomasz A. , Eirich Elisa , Leonhard Christine , Reif Andreas , Lesch Klaus‐Peter , Brammer Michael J. , Mourao‐Miranda Janaina , Fallgatter Andreas J.
Published: January 2012

Pattern recognition approaches to the analysis of neuroimaging data have brought new applications such as the classification of patients and healthy controls within reach. In our view, the reliance on expensive neuroimaging techniques which are not well tolerated by many patient groups and the inability of most current biomarker algorithms to accommodate information about prior class frequencies (such as a disorder's prevalence in the general population) are key factors limiting practical application. To overcome both limitations, we propose a probabilistic pattern recognition approach based on cheap and easy‐to‐use multi‐channel near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) measurements. We show the validity of our method by applying it to data from healthy controls (n = 14) enabling differentiation between the conditions of a visual checkerboard task. Second, we show that high‐accuracy single subject classification of patients with schizophrenia (n = 40) and healthy controls (n = 40) is possible based on temporal patterns of fNIRS data measured during a working memory task. For classification, we integrate spatial and temporal information at each channel to estimate overall classification accuracy. This yields an overall accuracy of 76% which is comparable to the highest ever achieved in biomarker‐based classification of patients with schizophrenia. In summary, the proposed algorithm in combination with fNIRS measurements enables the analysis of sub‐second, multivariate temporal patterns of BOLD responses and high‐accuracy predictions based on low‐cost, easy‐to‐use fNIRS patterns. In addition, our approach can easily compensate for variable class priors, which is highly advantageous in making predictions in a wide range of clinical neuroimaging applications. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
No association between hormonal abnormality and sexual dysfunction in Japanese schizophrenia patients treated with antipsychotics
Authors: Yasui‐Furukori Norio , Fujii Akira , Sugawara Norio , Tsuchimine Shoko , Saito Manabu , Hashimoto Kojiro , Kaneko Sunao
Published: January 2012

Objective

Although sexual dysfunction is believed to be caused by hormonal abnormalities, few reports have studied sexual dysfunction and its association with hormonal abnormalities in Asian populations with schizophrenia.

Methods

We employed a cross‐sectional, case–control survey design to collect data from 191 (108 men) Japanese schizophrenia outpatients treated with antipsychotics and 182 (49 men) healthy subjects. Sexual dysfunction was evaluated using the Udvalg for Kliniske Undersøgelser (UKU) Side Effect Rating Scale. We measured plasma concentrations of prolactin in both genders and testosterone in men and estradiol in women.

Results

Multiple regression analyses revealed the following findings: the number of antipsychotics correlated with diminished sexual desire (standardized beta = 0.241,p < 0.05); the dose of antipsychotics correlated with gynecomastia (standardized beta = 0.277,p < 0.01), increased sexual desire (standardized beta = 0.229,p < 0.05), and ejaculatory dysfunction (standardized beta = 0.248,p < 0.05); and the dose of antipsychotics correlated with menorrhagia in women (standardized beta = 0.284,p < 0.05). However, neither plasma concentrations of prolactin, testosterone nor estradiol correlated with sexual dysfunction.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated that an association between sex hormone abnormalities and sexual dysfunction is unlikely but that the dose or number of antipsychotics is associated with some sexual dysfunction. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Beyond Sex Tourism: Gay Tourists and Male Sex Workers in Puerto Vallarta (Western Mexico)
Authors: Mendoza Cristóbal
Published: January 2012

Literature on sex tourism has largely focused on the experiences and opinions of heterosexual tourists. Filling a gap in the literature, this article gives voice to male sex workers, and it analyzes their reasons for engagement in sex services addressed to men in tourist‐oriented Puerto Vallarta (Mexico). By doing so, it explores the different layers of sex tourism that go beyond pure monetary transaction. This article also considers aspects regarding sexuality and identity in gay‐friendly Vallarta. It concludes that sexual practices are negotiated, but sexual identities do not. Rather than an identity based on sexual grounds, what binds the sex workers together is a common (gay) lifestyle. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid characterization of lipids by MALDI MS. Part 1: Bacterial taxonomy and analysis of food oils
Authors: Lay Jackson O. , Gidden Jennifer , Liyanage Rohana , Emerson Beth , Durham Bill
Published: January 2012

Several new methods have been developed recently that allow the direct detection of lipids without resorting to derivatization or chromatographic separation. The simplest of these is direct MALDI (matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization) mass spectrometry. This approach is most useful for mixtures that contain minimal amounts of ion‐suppressing interfering components. However, even when such components are present, their effects can often be minimized by using simple separation techniques beforehand, such as solid phase extraction or thin layer chromatography. For example, direct MALDI has been used for rapid screening of lipids and for taxonomic identification of the source organisms with no sample pretreatment. Fractions collected from solid phase extraction cartridges have also been used to avoid the most extreme effects of ion suppression from more complex lipid mixtures. More recently, direct MALDI has been applied to the analysis of TLC plates allowing the detection of TLC‐separated lipids from the complex lipidome. Herein, we briefly describe the application of rapid MALDI MS to some typical research problems involving the characterization of lipids. In Part 1 these include bacterial taxonomy by direct analysis of intact lipids in simple extracts rather than by conversion to fatty acid methyl esters. Food oils such as triacylglycerols can be characterized simply and easily by direct MALDI MS without resort to any sort of separation. Part 2 (in the next issue of Lipid Technology) will cover the spontaneous fragmentation of protonated lipids, ion suppression and the use of solid phase extraction and thin layer chromatography with MALDI MS to characterize complex biological samples.
The development of canola oil based bio‐resins
Authors: Kong Xiaohua , Omonov Tolibjon S. , Curtis Jonathan M.
Published: January 2012

Bio‐based resins made from vegetable oils offer a sustainable alternative to petroleum‐based thermoset resins. The thermosetting resin systems we have developed from epoxidized canola oil and the polyurethanes we have produced from canola oil‐based polyols show promise as cost‐effective materials incorporating a high renewable content. Here we outline the use of canola oil based bio‐resins in composite boards, and in polyurethane adhesive and insulating foam applications.
Amphiphilic Cholic‐Acid‐Modified Dextran Sulfate and its Application for the Controlled Delivery of Superoxide Dismutase
Authors: Xiong Yubing , Qi Jianing , Yao Ping
Published: January 2012

A novel amphiphilic and biodegradable polyelectrolyte DS‐CA is prepared by the esterification of DS with CA. DS‐CA can self‐assemble into stable nanoparticles in water. SOD can effectively associate with DS‐CA at pH = 5.0 by virtue of electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. SOD release from the complex nanoparticles is slow at pH = 1.2. The release at pH = 7.4 PBS shows an extended behavior and is tunable by changing the weight ratio of SOD to DS‐CA as well as the CA substitution degree. Increasing the CA substitution degree of DS‐CA can significantly enhance the cellular uptake of the loaded SOD. This study demonstrates that the amphiphilic DS‐CA provides a promising strategy for oral delivery of protein/peptide drugs.

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Controlled/Living Surface‐Initiated ATRP of Antifouling Polymer Brushes from Gold in PBS and Blood Sera as a Model Study for Polymer Modifications in Complex Biological Media
Authors: Rodriguez‐Emmenegger Cesar , Hasan Erol , Pop‐Georgievski Ognen , Houska Milan , Brynda Eduard , Alles Aldo Bologna
Published: January 2012

The use of PBS, 10% FBS or 10% CS as media for SI‐ATRP is reported. Controlled/living SI‐ATRP of MeOEGMA in PBS is achieved leading to better control than in water. The livingness is confirmed by chain extension with MeOEGMA or carboxybetaine acrylamide. This technique is successfully adopted for the polymerization of MeOEGMA in 10% FBS or CS as models for complex biological media with reasonable control of the brush growth. All prepared brushes show excellent antifouling properties.

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Validation of diffusion tensor MRI in the central nervous system using light microscopy: quantitative comparison of fiber properties
Authors: Choe A. S. , Stepniewska I. , Colvin D. C. , Ding Z. , Anderson A. W.
Published: January 2012

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) provides an indirect measure of tissue structure on a microscopic scale. To date, DTI is the only imaging method that provides such information in vivo, and has proven to be a valuable tool in both research and clinical settings. In this study, we investigated the relationship between white matter structure and diffusion parameters measured by DTI. We used micrographs from light microscopy of fixed, myelin‐stained brain sections as a gold standard for direct comparison with data from DTI. Relationships between microscopic tissue properties observed with light microscopy (fiber orientation, density and coherence) and fiber properties observed by DTI (tensor orientation, diffusivities and fractional anisotropy) were investigated. Agreement between the major eigenvector of the tensor and myelinated fibers was excellent in voxels with high fiber coherence. In addition, increased fiber spread was strongly associated with increased radial diffusivity (p = 6 × 10–6) and decreased fractional anisotropy (p = 5 × 10–8), and was weakly associated with decreased axial diffusivity (p = 0.07). Increased fiber density was associated with increased fractional anisotropy (p = 0.03), and weakly associated with decreased radial diffusivity (p < 0.06), but not with axial diffusivity (p = 0.97). The mean diffusivity was largely independent of fiber spread (p = 0.24) and fiber density (p = 0.34). Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Initial and subsequent therapy for newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients treated in primary care using data from a vendor‐based electronic health record
Authors: Brouwer Emily S. , West Suzanne L. , Kluckman Marianne , Wallace Dennis , Masica Andrew L. , Ewen Edward , Kudyakov Rustam , Cheng Dunlei , Bowen James , Fleming Neil S.
Published: January 2012

Background

Diabetes is a leading cause of death and disability, and its prevalence is increasing. When diet fails, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are prescribed oral hypoglycemics for glycemic control. Few studies have explored initial use or change from initial oral hypoglycemic therapy in the primary care setting. We aimed to describe the utilization of initial oral hypoglycemics among newly diagnosed patients with diabetes from 1998–2009 and changes from initial to subsequent therapy among patients prescribed older oral hypoglycemic agents using electronic health records.

Methods

This observational cohort study used electronic health records from newly diagnosed patients with T2DM between 1 January 1998 and 31 March 2009 at two large health systems in the USA. Oral hypoglycemics included older (biguanide, sulfonylurea, and thiazolidinedione) and newer agents (incretin mimetic agents, alpha‐glucosidase inhibitors, and D‐phenylalanine derivatives). Multinomial regression models were fit to evaluate initial older oral hypoglycemic medication. We used incidence density sampling and conditional logistic regression models to evaluate predictors of regimen change.

Results

Most patients were treated from the biguanide class of oral hypoglycemics (67%), but there were differences in initial prescribing by age and race. HbA1c (Odds Ratio for HbA1c 7.0–8.9 vs < 7.0, 5.87 [95% Confidence Interval: 3.62–9.52]; Odds Ratio for HbA1c ≥ 9 vs < 7.0, 20.25 [95% Confidence Interval: 8.32–49.29] and Black people (Odds Ratio, 0.29 [95% Confidence Interval: 0.14, 0.60]) versus White people were associated with regimen change in the adjusted analysis.

Conclusions

Clinical and demographic characteristics influence choice and duration of initial oral hypoglycemic treatment as well as regimen changes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Subtle issues in model specification and estimation of marginal structural models
Authors: Yang Wei , Joffe Marshall M.
Published: January 2012

We review the concept of time‐dependent confounding by using the example in paper “Comparative effectiveness of individual angiotensin receptor blockers on risk of mortality in patients with chronic heart failure” by Desai et al. and illustrate how to adjust for it by using inverse probability of treatment weighting through a simulated example. We discuss a few subtle issues that arise in specification of the model for treatment required to fit marginal structural models (MSMs) and in specification of the structural model for the outcome. We discuss the differences between the effects estimated in MSMs and intention‐to‐treat effects estimated in randomized trials, followed by an outline of some limitations of MSMs. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of recalibration response shift in explaining bodily pain in cancer patients undergoing invasive surgery: an empirical investigation of the Sprangers and Schwartz model
Authors: Visser Mechteld R. M. , Oort Frans J. , van Lanschot J. Jan B. , van der Velden Jacobus , Kloek Jaap J. , Gouma Dirk J. , Schwartz Carolyn E. , Sprangers Mirjam A. G.
Published: January 2012

Objective

This study aims to explain bodily pain using the Sprangers and Schwartz theoretical model (1999) on quality of life (QL) and response shift in its entirety. Response shift refers to the phenomenon that the meaning of a person's self‐evaluation changes over time. In this model, response shift mediates effects of changes in health status (catalysts), stable characteristics of the person (antecedents), and coping mechanisms (mechanisms) on QL.

Methods

Cancer patients (202) were assessed prior to and 3 months following surgery. Measures were for catalysts: type of operation and possibility of tumor resection; for antecedents: age, duration of pain, optimism, and rigidity; for mechanisms: post‐traumatic growth, social comparisons, social support, denial, and acceptance; and for QL: bodily pain; for response shift: the pretest‐minus‐thentest bodily pain score, further referred to as recalibration response shift. Structural equation modeling and sequential regression analyses were used.

Results

The final model reached close fit (RMSEA = 0.03; 90% CI = 0.000–0.071; χ2 (18) = 21.13; p = 0.27). Significant effects were found for catalysts on mechanisms, antecedents on mechanisms, mechanisms on response shift, and response shift on bodily pain. Four extra model effects had to be permitted. Using sequential regression analysis, recalibration response shift added 4.4% to the total amount of 29.8% explained variance of bodily pain.

Conclusions

Many effects as hypothesized by the model were found. Recalibration response shift had a unique albeit small contribution to the explanation of bodily pain. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Milling effect on the control efficacy of spray‐dried Bacillus thuringiensis technical powder against diamondback moths
Authors: Kim Jae Su , Je Yeon Ho
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: The relationship between the particle size of spray‐dried Bacillus thuringiensis NT0423 technical powder and its insecticidal activity against diamondback moth was investigated in laboratory and glasshouse conditions. A variety of sizes of Bt particles were made by homogenisation, followed by pilot‐scale milling to optimise further the current Bt formulation process.

RESULTS: In laboratory conditions, homogenised Bt suspension with smaller particles had higher control efficacy against diamondback moth. However, in glasshouse conditions, the smallest particle treatment did not follow the size‐dependent insecticidal activity, rather showing decreased control efficacy. Secondly, air‐jet‐milled Bt powder (16.9 µm) had higher control efficacy than hammer‐milled Bt powder (35.1 µm) in glasshouse conditions. However, double air‐jet milling (5.3 µm) had lower control efficacy compared with one‐time milling.

CONCLUSION: These results suggest that NT0423 technical powder with smaller particles is better in controlling diamondback moths, but excessively small particles (<10 µm) possibly reduce the insecticidal activity. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Production and fragmentation of negative ions from neutral N‐linked carbohydrates ionized by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization
Authors: Domann Paula , Spencer Daniel I. R. , Harvey David J.
Published: January 2012

Although negative ion fragmentation mass spectra of neutral N‐linked carbohydrates (those attached to Asn in glycoproteins) provide much more structural information than spectra recorded in positive ion mode, neutral carbohydrates are reluctant to form negative ions by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) unless ionized from specific matrices such as nor‐harmane or adducted with anions such as chloride. This paper reports the results of experiments to optimize negative ion formation from adducts of N‐linked glycans with respect to ion abundance and fragment ion production. The best results were obtained with 2,4,6‐trihydroxyacetophenone (THAP) as the matrix with added ammonium nitrate as the salt providing the anion. This approach is demonstrated to be applicable for a wide range of N‐linked glycan structures. Phosphate adducts, analogous to those that are usually encountered in electrospray spectra from N‐glycans released by protein N‐glycosidase F, were produced by addition of ammonium phosphate to the matrix but in relatively low yield allowing competitive ionization of endogenous anionic compounds leading to complex spectra. Fragmentation of the nitrate adducts, which were formed in higher yield, generally paralleled that seen by collision‐induced dissociation following ionization by electrospray, with the first stage of the dissociation being the elimination of the nitrate with a proton from one of the hydroxyl groups of the sugar. The spectra of the resulting [M–H]– species displayed very specific fragment ions, mainly cross‐ring and C‐type glycosidic cleavage products, that revealed more structural (linkage and branching) information of the compounds than the mainly glycosidic cleavage products that dominated the positive ion spectra. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The detection of nicotine in a Late Mayan period flask by gas chromatography and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry methods
Authors: Zagorevski Dmitri V. , Loughmiller‐Newman Jennifer A.
Published: January 2012

Several ancient Mayan vessels from the Kislak Collection of the US Library of Congress were examined for the presence of alkaloids. One of them, a codex‐style flask, bears a text that appears to read yo‐'OTOT‐ti 'u‐MAY, spelling y‐otoot 'u‐may 'the home of its/his/her tobacco'. Samples extracted from this Late Classic period (600 to 900 AD) container were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) methods. Nicotine was identified as the major component of the extracts. LC/MS analyses also yielded signals due to nicotine mono‐oxides. The identities of the compounds were determined by comparison of the chromatographic and/or mass spectral characteristics with those from standards and literature data. High‐resolution high mass accuracy tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) spectra of protonated nicotine and nicotine mono‐oxides were measured to verify and to correct previous product ion assignments. These analyses provided positive evidence for nicotine from a Mayan vessel, indicating it as a likely holder of tobacco leafs. The result of this investigation is the first physical evidence of tobacco from a Mayan container, and only the second example where the vessel content recorded in a Mayan hieroglyphic text has been confirmed directly by chromatography/mass spectrometry trace analysis. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Formation and ionization energies of small chlorine‐doped lithium clusters by thermal ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Veličković S. R. , Djustebek J. B. , Veljković F. M. , Radak B. B. , Veljković M. V.
Published: January 2012

RATIONALE

Theoretical calculations have shown that the first ionization energy of clusters of the type LinCl (n ≥2), with more than eight valent electrons, is lower than that of alkali metal atoms; hence they are named superalkali. Superalkali clusters can mimic the chemical behavior of alkali metals and may be used as building blocks of new cluster‐assembled materials. There is currently no reliable experimental proof of this kind of clusters and such proof is required.

METHODS

The LinCl (n = 2–6) clusters were produced by a thermal ionization source of modified design, and mass selected by a magnetic‐sector mass spectrometer. The modification pertains to the replacement of the side filaments by a cylinder in the triple‐filament thermal ionization source. The sample, which is LiCl salt, was pressed into a ring and placed on the inner wall of the cylinder.

RESULTS

It was observed that the ions of clusters with an even number of lithium atoms (Li2Cl+, Li4Cl+, Li6Cl+) are more stable than the odd‐numbered ones (Li5Cl+, Li3Cl+). The ionization energies were determined to be 3.98 ± 0.25 eV for Li2Cl, 4.10 ± 0.25 eV for Li3Cl, 3.90 ± 0.25 eV for Li4Cl, 4.01 ± 0.25 eV for Li5Cl, and 4.09 ± 0.25 eV for Li6Cl. The presence of a halogen atom reduces the ionization energy of the metal clusters.

CONCLUSIONS

The thermal ionization source of modified design presents a suitable simple way to obtaining and measuring the ionization energies of very small lithium monochloride clusters. Clusters LinCl, n = 4 to 6, were detected for the first time. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of the N2/Ar technique to measuring soil‐atmosphere N2 fluxes
Authors: Yang Wendy H. , Silver Whendee L.
Published: January 2012

RATIONALE

The emission of dinitrogen (N2) gas from soil is the most poorly constrained flux in terrestrial nitrogen (N) budgets because the high background atmospheric N2 concentration makes soil N2 emissions difficult to measure. In this study, we tested the theoretical and analytical feasibility of using the N2/Ar technique to measure soil‐atmosphere N2 fluxes.

METHODS

Dual inlet isotope ratio mass spectrometry was used to measure δAr/N2 values of gas sampled from surface flux chambers. In laboratory experiments using dry sand in a diffusion box, we induced a known steady‐state flux of N2, and then measured the change in the N2/Ar ratio of chamber headspace air samples to test our ability to reconstruct this flux. We m\odeled solubility, thermal, and water vapor flux fractionation effects on the N2/Ar ratio to constrain physical effects on the measured N2 flux.

RESULTS

In dry sand, an actual N2 flux of 108 mg N m–2 day–1 was measured as 111 ± 19 mg N m–2 day–1 (± standard error (SE)). In wet sand, an actual N2 flux of 160 mg N m–2 day–1 was measured as 146 ± 20 mg N m–2 day–1 when solubility and water vapor flux fractionation were taken into account. Corrections for thermal fractionation did not improve estimates of N2 fluxes.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that our application of the N2/Ar technique to soil surface fluxes is valid only above a detection limit of approximately 108 mg N m–2 day–1. The N2/Ar method is currently best used as a validation tool for other methods in ecosystems with high soil N2 fluxes, but, with future improvements, it holds promise to provide high‐resolution measurements in systems with low soil N2 fluxes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
WYSIWIB: exploiting fine‐grained program structure in a scriptable API‐usage protocol‐finding process
Authors: Lawall Julia L. , Brunel Julien , Palix Nicolas , Hansen René Rydhof , Stuart Henrik , Muller Gilles
Published: January 2012

Bug‐finding tools rely on specifications of what is correct or incorrect code. As it is difficult for a tool developer or user to anticipate all possible specifications, strategies for inferring specifications have been proposed. These strategies obtain probable specifications by observing common characteristics of code or execution traces, typically focusing on sequences of function calls. To counter the observed high rate of false positives, heuristics have been proposed for ranking or pruning the results. These heuristics, however, can result in false negatives, especially for rarely used functions. In this paper, we propose an alternate approach to specification inference, in which the user guides the inference process using patterns of code that reflect the user's understanding of the conventions and design of the targeted software project. We focus on specifications describing the correct usage of API functions, which we refer to as API protocols. Our approach builds on the Coccinelle program matching and transformation tool, which allows a user to construct patterns that reflect the structure of the code to be matched. We evaluate our approach on the source code of the Linux kernel, which defines a very large number of API functions with varying properties. Linux is also critical software, implying that fixing even bugs involving rarely used protocols is essential. In our experiments, we use our approach to find over 3000 potential API protocols, with an estimated false positive rate of under 15% and use these protocols to find over 360 bugs in the use of API functions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Automatic generation of compiler backends
Authors: Brandner Florian , Pavlu Viktor , Krall Andreas
Published: January 2012

Application‐specific instruction set processors have proven successful in meeting the various design constraints of modern embedded systems and often provide the only viable trade‐off between computing power and opposing metrics such as power consumption. A promising approach to facilitate the exploration of processor design alternatives are processor description languages, which capture the instruction set and hardware organization of a processor. With the use of those processor models, various design tasks, for example, the adaption of software development tools, the generation of hardware models, and various verification tasks, can be automatized. These languages thus allow effective shortening of development turnaround times. In this work, the novel xADL language is presented, which, in contrast to most contemporary processor description languages, focuses on a structural modeling of the processor's hardware organization. However, a behavioral model of the instruction set is automatically derived using instruction set extraction. This provides a tight coupling between the structural hardware view and the instruction set view of the processor and reduces the complexity of processor models in comparison with existing languages. The feasibility of our approach is demonstrated by a compiler backend generator based on tree pattern matching. An important property of our generator is its ability to automatically verify whether the resulting compiler is complete, that is, it can process all possible input programs. The generated compilers are competitive to handcrafted production compilers, showing speedups of up to 20% for certain benchmarks. On average, moderate slowdowns between 3% and 15% have been observed for several processor models while considerable reductions in code size have been measured. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recalculation of Flow Stresses from Industrial Process Data for Heavy Plate Rolling Using a 2D Finite Element Model
Authors: Parteder Erik , Zeman Klaus , Du Huiying , Grill Rainer
Published: January 2012

In hot rolling, the quantities rolling load, torque, and power consumption are important measurable process parameters. For the determination of rolling loads in hot flat rolling processes, like heavy plate rolling, Sims's model1 is a well‐known approach represented by an analytical formula. The solution of Sims's equation leads to the multiplier Q, which is a function of the roll gap geometry. The rolling load is then computed by applying the width of the plate, the contact length, the multiplier, and an average material flow stress called kfm. This flow stress is commonly recalculated from process data as a function of temperature, pass strain, and a mean strain rate, applying the Sims model itself. One question arises from this method: Are the recalculated flow stresses physically based values or in other words, what is the (physical) meaning or interpretation of these values? The present paper tries to give an answer to this question by determining the influence of the roll gap geometry alternatively by means of a simple 2D FEM model which gives a corresponding multiplier referred to as QFE. Flow stresses are recalculated from a set of process data using both factors. The results are compared to experimental flow stress data from hot compression tests. It is shown, that the recalculated flow stresses using QFE are in better agreement with the laboratory data than the recalculated values using Sims's Q.
Experimental Investigation on Hydromechanical Deep Drawing of Aluminum Alloy with Heated Media
Authors: Lang Lihui , Liu Baosheng , Li Tao , Zhao Xiangni , Zeng Yuansong
Published: January 2012

Temperature controlled sheet hydroforming is known as the innovative processing of warm/hot sheet hydroforming. Cylindrical cup hydromechanical deep drawing (HMD) at elevated temperature is the typical process for basic research. Warm HMD process was carried out on a warm sheet hydroforming experiment platform to investigate the influences of key processing parameters on formability. The process window of successful forming versus liquid pressure was obtained, which was manifested as a shape of pyramid. The region of successful forming in warm/hot sheet hydroming is a father set of that in cold sheet hydroforming. The microstructure evolution of cups formed by using warm HMD under the effect of temperature was investigated. The grain growth was observed compared with cold HMD. The hardness of hydroformed cup was tested and no apparent reduction of hardness was detected.
Extractive fermentation for enhanced production of thailandepsin A from Burkholderia thailandensis E264 using polyaromatic adsorbent resin Diaion HP-20
Authors: Liu Bing , Hui Junyuan , Cheng Yi-Qiang , Zhang Xuehong
Published: January 2012

Thailandepsin A is natural product of Burkholderia thailandensis E264 with potent histone deacetylase inhibitory activities and promising anticancer activities. The titer of thailandepsin A is very low (less than 10 mg/l) from limited empirical fermentation. To facilitate preclinical evaluations and potentially clinical development of thailandepsin A, systematic optimization and extractive fermentation of thailandepsin A from B. thailandensis E264 culture in flasks were investigated in this pilot study. The main fermentation parameters—28°C, pH 7.0, inoculum ratio 1% (v/v), incubation duration 60 h, medium volume 26%, shaking speed 170 rpm, and chloroform as extracting solvent—were determined by single factor experiments. Polyaromatic adsorbent resin Diaion HP-20, when added at a concentration of 4% (w/v), was most effective to reduce feedback inhibition of thailandepsin A and to significantly increase the titer of target product. Central composite design was used to further optimize the fermentation medium for B. thailandensis E264. The optimized medium contains glucose 17.89 g/l, tryptone 34.98 g/l, potassium phosphate 24.84 g/l, and sodium citrate 0.01 g/l, which resulted in a large increase of the titer of thailandepsin A to 236.7 mg/l. Finally kinetic models based on the modified logistic and Luedeking–Piret equations were developed, delivering a good description of temporal variations of biomass, product, and substrate in the fermentation process, which could be used as references for developing large-scale fermentation.
Reciprocal fluxes of stream and riparian invertebrates in a coastal California basin with Mediterranean climate
Authors: Rundio David E. , Lindley Steven T.
Published: January 2012

Stream and riparian food webs are connected by reciprocal fluxes of invertebrates, and a growing number of studies demonstrate strong effects of these subsidies on consumers and food webs in both habitats. However, despite its importance in understanding energy flow between these habitats, seasonality of reciprocal subsidies has been examined only in a single temperate system in Japan. We measured input of terrestrial invertebrates and emergence of adult aquatic insects for 14 months in two adjacent streams in a coastal Mediterranean basin in California to assess seasonal patterns, annual fluxes, and local variation. Fluxes of terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates fluctuated seasonally and were relatively synchronous, although in the fall of 2004, terrestrial inputs peaked 1–2 months earlier than emergence. Terrestrial inputs were similar in the two streams with annual flux of 7.9–8.6 g dry mass m−2year−1. Emergence differed between the streams: annual emergence was 7.8 g m−2year−1(similar to terrestrial flux) in one reach but 5.3 g m−2year−1from the other. The presence of streambed travertine in the reach with lower emergence was the primary difference in habitat between the streams, suggesting that travertine may reduce emergence and alter net reciprocal flux. Comparison of our results with those from Japan suggests that seasonality and net annual flux of reciprocal stream‐riparian subsidies vary among biomes due to differences in climate, vegetation, and geography. Our results also indicate that local factors, such as travertine, may cause reciprocal fluxes to vary at finer spatial scales.
Comparison of Separations of Fatty Acids from Fish Products Using a 30‐m Supelcowax‐10 and a 100‐m SP‐2560 Column
Authors: Santercole Viviana , Delmonte Pierluigi , Kramer John K. G.
Published: January 2012

Commercial fish oils and foods containing fish may contain trans and/or isomerized fatty acids (FA) produced during processing or as part of prepared foods. The current American Oil Chemists' Society (AOCS) official method for marine oils (method Ce 1i‐07) is based on separation by use of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) columns, for example Supelcowax‐10 or equivalent, which do not resolve most unsaturated FA geometric isomers. Highly polar 100‐m cyanopropyl siloxane (CPS) columns, for example SP‐2560 and CP Sil 88 are recommended for separation of geometric FA isomers. Complementary separations were achieved by use of two different elution temperature programs with the same CPS column. This study is the first direct comparison of the separations achieved by use of 30‐m Supelcowax‐10 and 100‐m SP‐2560 columns for fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) prepared from the same fish oil and fish muscle sample. To simplify the identification of the FA in these fish samples, FA were fractionated on the basis of the number and type of double bonds by silver‐ion solid‐phase extraction (Ag+‐SPE) before GC analysis. The results showed that a combination of the three GC separations was necessary to resolve and identify most of the unsaturated FA, FA isomers, and other components of fish products, for example phytanic and phytenic acids. Equivalent chain length (ECL) values of most FAME in fish were calculated from the separations achieved by use of both GC columns; the values obtained were shown to be consistent with previously reported values for the Supelcowax‐10 column. ECL values were also calculated for the FA separated on the SP‐2560 column. The calculated ECL values were equally valid under isothermal and temperature‐programmed elution GC conditions, and were valuable for confirmation of the identity of several unsaturated FAME in the fish samples. When analyzing commercially prepared fish foods, deodorized marine oils, or foods fortified with marine oils it is strongly recommended that quantitative data acquired by use of PEG columns is complemented with data obtained from separations using highly polar CPS columns.
Determination of Unsaponifiable Constituents of Deodorizer Distillates by GC–MS
Authors: Naz Saba , Sherazi S. T. H. , Talpur Farah N. , Talpur M. Younis , Kara Huseyin
Published: January 2012

Deodorizer distillate is an important by‐product obtained during deodorization in the edible oil industries. It is a complex mixture of many health beneficial constituents like phytosterols, tocopherols and squalene. In the present study a simple gas chromatographic method with mass spectrometry was used for the separation, detection and quantification of different components present in the deodorizer distillate in a very short analysis time of 18 min. A simple saponification procedure without derivatization was used for their analysis followed by GC–MS analysis. Phytosterols concentration (21.27–25.53%) was the most abundant in canola and palm distillate samples whereas, squalene and tocopherol were present in concentration ranges of 2.89–13.21% and 1.29–5.81%, respectively. The present study revealed that the unsaponifiable fraction of deodorizer distillate could be used in cosmetic preparations due to its appreciable amount of bioactive constituents.
Evidence Contrary to the Accepted Diels–Alder Mechanism in the Thermal Modification of Vegetable Oil
Authors: Arca Mert , Sharma Brajendra K. , Price Neil P. J. , Perez Joseph M. , Doll Kenneth M.
Published: January 2012

A fatty methyl ester product has been made using two routes. Soybean oil was thermally polymerized anaerobically without a catalyst at 330 °C and the material was then transesterified using base catalyst and methanol. Alternatively, a similar product can be obtained by heating methyl linoleate to the same temperature in a pressure reactor. The product structure was studied by NMR spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography and mass spectrometry. It is a dimeric product which does not contain substituted cyclohexane structures. This evidence shows that the Diels–Alder reaction has not occurred under these conditions. This is in contradiction to many literature reports, but in agreement with a neglected paper from 1971. This correction has implications in both biodiesel and industrial oil products.
HPLC Analysis of Seed Sesamin and Sesamolin Variation in a Sesame Germplasm Collection in China
Authors: Wang Linhai , Zhang Yanxin , Li Peiwu , Wang Xuefang , Zhang Wen , Wei Wenliang , Zhang Xiurong
Published: January 2012

Sesame lignans, including mainly sesamin and sesamolin, has been reported to have multiple functions beneficial to health. This study analyzed sesamin and sesamolin contents by HPLC in 215 sesame lines from a core collection in China. The results showed the core sesame germplasm in China has a broad variation from 2.49 to 18.01 mg/g with average 8.54 mg/g in total of sesamin and sesamolin. On average, sesamin contents in the lines with a white seed coat color were significantly higher than in those samples with brown, yellow and black colors (P< 0.01). The lines with a black seed coat had the highest coefficient of variation followed by those with brown, yellow and white seed coats. The correlation coefficient between sesamin and sesamolin in the sesames with different seed coat colors ranked as white (R= 0.23) < yellow (R= 0.44) < brown (R= 0.72) < black (R= 0.77). The results of this study provide valuable background information on sesame germplasm in China and identified potential genotypes for breeding high sesamin or sesamolin cultivars.
The Origin and Spread of Early-Ripening Champa Rice: It’s Impact on Song Dynasty China
Authors: Barker Randolph
Published: January 2012

Often overlooked is the importance of early-maturing rice varieties with their ability to escape droughts, avoid floods, and in some localities, open up the opportunity for double cropping. Most varieties grown in the tropics until the last half century matured in 150 to 180 days or longer and were photoperiod sensitive. However, non-photoperiod sensitive one-hundred-day varieties were grown in the Champa Kingdom in what is now Central Vietnam centuries ago. How these varieties moved into Song Dynasty China and the impact of the early-ripening rice on population growth in South China is well documented. However, the origin of the Champa varieties is less clear. According to a recent DNA test (see below), the Champa varieties belong to the aus sub-population. The aus have the characteristics of both indica and japonica and originated in the hill areas of what are now Eastern India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. Because the Champa Kingdom adopted the Indian language and religion, at least in the higher courts, it seems logical that the Champa rice must have been disseminated from the hilly areas in the Indian sub-continent to Central Vietnam and eventually to China—first Fujian and later to the Yangtze region during the Song Dynasty in the eleventh century.
Towards an opportunistic grid scheduling infrastructure based on tuple spaces
Authors: Favarim Fábio , da Silva Fraga Joni , Lung Lau Cheuk
Published: January 2012

One main issue associated with the efficient and effective use of heterogeneous resources in a grid system is the scheduling. Scheduling in a grid system involves a number of challenging issues mainly due to the dynamic nature of the grid. Schedulers on traditional grid infrastructures rely on an information service that provides information about resources capacities and availability. However, in an asynchronous distributed system like a grid providing up-to-date information about resources is difficult. Current scheduling algorithms make scheduling decisions without fully accurate information about resources which can lead to inefficient schedules. This paper proposes a new scheduling infrastructure for grids where resources select tasks they execute, instead of the traditional approach where schedulers finding resources for the tasks. The new proposed approach allows, at any time, to make scheduling decisions with up-to-date/accurate information. Moreover, our infrastructure provides mechanisms to provide a fault tolerant scheduling. The proposed infrastructure is mainly based on the tuple space coordination model. In our evaluation study, a number of experiments with various simulation setting demonstrated the practicability of proposed infrastructure.
Editorial on the revised European Training Charter for Clinical Radiology
Authors:   European Society of Radiology (ESR)
Published: January 2012

This short editorial introduces the revised European Training Charter for Clinical Radiology. The revised Charter reiterates the principle of a five-year basic training composed of an initial threeyear training followed by Subspecialist Interest training during the fourth and fifth years.

Key Points

This European Training Charter for Clinical Radiology will harmonise training across Europe.

The principle of a 5-year training programme is reinforced.

The Charter provides flexibility with regards to subspecialist interests.
Employment Patterns of Less-Skilled Workers: Links to Children’s Behavior and Academic Progress
Authors: Johnson Rucker C. , Kalil Ariel , Dunifon Rachel E.
Published: January 2012

Using data from five waves of the Women’s Employment Survey (WES; 1997–2003), we examine the links between low-income mothers’ employment patterns and the emotional behavior and academic progress of their children. We find robust and substantively important linkages between several different dimensions of mothers’ employment experiences and child outcomes. The pattern of results is similar across empirical approaches—including ordinary least squares and child fixed-effect models, with and without an extensive set of controls. Children exhibit fewer behavior problems when mothers work and experience job stability (relative to children whose mothers do not work). In contrast, maternal work accompanied by job instability is associated with significantly higher child behavior problems (relative to employment in a stable job). Children whose mothers work full-time and/or have fluctuating work schedules also exhibit significantly higher levels of behavior problems. However, full-time work has negative consequences for children only when it is in jobs that do not require cognitive skills. Such negative consequences are completely offset when this work experience is in jobs that require the cognitive skills that lead to higher wage growth prospects. Finally, fluctuating work schedules and full-time work in non-cognitively demanding jobs are each strongly associated with the probability that the child will repeat a grade or be placed in special education.
Inguinal Lymphadenectomy for Squamous Cell Cancer of the Penis—Experience of a UK Supra-Regional Network
Authors: Martin Thomas G. , Goddard Jonathan C. , Terry Tim R. , Summerton Duncan J.
Published: January 2012

Objective:

To present a case series of patients undergoing inguinal lymphadenectomy (IL) for squamous cell cancer (SCC) of the penis within an UK Supra-Regional Network (SRN).

Patients and methods:

Retrospective case note analysis was undertaken of all patients who underwent IL following referral from the network units across a wide region. Information was cross-referenced from clinician, pathology and hospital episode databases.

Results:

A total of 79 modified ILs and 11 radical ILs were performed in 49 patients over 5 years. Metastatic involvement was found in 59.1% of patients. Of these 58.6% were found to have extranodal spread at the time of operation. The finding of extranodal spread significantly impacted upon survival. One year survival rates post IL were 100% for pN0 and pN1, compared with 67% for pN3. Kaplan—Meier curves were plotted and showed a significant difference in survival from primary surgery on log rank comparison between pN0/pN1 and pN3 nodal categories. As in most series, IL has a considerable morbidity rate. No perioperative mortality was seen.

Conclusions:

This case series emphasizes the negative prognostic impact of finding extranodal spread (pN3) at IL. In those with unilateral intranodal metastases (pN1), IL is curative for the majority of patients.
Antibiotic‐treated Streptococcus sanguinis intracranial mycotic aneurysm
Authors: Chang Ya‐Ting , Lu Cheng‐Hsien , Lui Chun‐Chung , Chang Wen‐Neng
Published: January 2012

We report the case of a woman 33 years of age with infective endocarditis‐related intracranial mycotic aneurysm (IMA) caused by a Streptococcus sanguinis infection. The clinical diagnosis was confirmed by the findings of magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance angiographic (MRA) studies, echocardiographic studies, and a positive blood culture result. She underwent antimicrobial treatment only (ceftriaxone intravenously for 8 weeks and penicillin V orally for 6 weeks). The regression and disappearance of IMA were demonstrated by a series of MRA follow‐up studies.