bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling and Analysis of a Hybrid CAC Scheme in Heterogeneous Multimedia Wireless Networks
Authors: Zhang Yuhong , Salari Ezzatollah
Published: April 2012

A hybrid call admission control (CAC) scheme for a heterogeneous multimedia mobile network is proposed and investigated. In addition to the reservation of the system capacity to the cells, the network center also reserves an amount of bandwidth for a possible dynamic allocation to all cells in order to increase the system utilization and minimize the blocking probability of calls. In each cell, a specific class of calls may need a specific bandwidth for connection, a specific call connection time period, and may possess a specific mobility feature. By considering the specific characteristics for different classes of calls, each cell of the network has the capability to provide service to at least a minimum number of calls for each class. This paper successfully derives an analytical expression for the stationary distribution of the number of calls in the whole network and obtains explicit mathematical formulae for measuring system performance, including the utilization of the network, the blocking probability for each class of calls, and the throughput of the network. The consistency of the numerical analysis with the theoretical results and the simulation analysis based on the model description confirms the correctness of the modeling and analysis.
Estimating the Global Demand of Photovoltaic System
Authors: Chen Yi-Fen , Chen Bi-Chu , Tsai Chia-Wen , Chen Wen-Yu , Wei Lee-Wei
Published: April 2012

The purpose of this research is to predict the total market demand of photovoltaic (PV) system of the world. By using the Grey forecasting model, the results were precise and valid. Then, the sensitivity analysis was conducted to select the most appropriate horizontal adjusting factor (HAF) and to determine the growth type of PV industry. The result showed the HAF was 0.4, which indicated the growth speed is in a low speed but very close to normal speed. The average residual error was 10.5% from 1995 to 2007 compared to the actual value in the same period. Then, the forecasted value from 2008 to 2011 showed an increasing shape and would reach 8554.9 MW in 2011. This research found the growth type of PV industry of the world, offering meaningful information for firms to decide the strategy in the future. For government, the result could also help to implement adequate policies to support the development of PV industry in the future.
The ties that bind us: how existing relationships, health and gender shape family care in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Gullick Janice G. , Stainton M. Colleen
Published: April 2012

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) changes family roles and relationship dynamics and the experience of the disease is influenced by family functioning. Merleau- Ponty’s existential philosophy of the body provided the framework for this Heideggerian phenomenological inquiry. Fifteen people with COPD and 14 family members engaged in 58 semi-structured interviews either face-to-face or by telephone. This study identified a difference in the essence of the lived experiences between male and female carers, and between spousal and non-spousal carers in relation to severe COPD. Previous reciprocity framed the level of acceptance of the caring role and perception of care burden. The stories highlight the self-perceived need for women carers to be conscious micro-managers of illness. Male family members would care alongside, lending support and caring in a reactive way as specific needs or crises arose. Caring in COPD required a binding vigilance; a constant need of the carer to monitor the physical and emotional well-being of the sick person that bound them emotionally and cognitively to the task of caring. Carers were the managers of crises and families cared from a perspective of possible death. Family was perceived as the best thing in life. Health professionals should consider the influence of gender, family relationships and the impact of reciprocity when planning support for family caregivers. Further research is required to identify the similarities and differences in family caring between COPD and other chronic illnesses, and to further understand the specific needs of male carers.
Turbulent flux modelling with a simple 2-layer soil model and extrapolated surface temperature applied at Nam Co Lake basin on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Gerken T. , Babel W. , Hoffmann A. , Biermann T. , Herzog M. , Friend A. D. , Li M. , Ma Y. , Foken T. , Graf H.-F.
Published: April 2012

Abstract. This paper introduces a surface model with two soil-layers for use in a high-resolution circulation model that has been modified with an extrapolated surface temperature, to be used for the calculation of turbulent fluxes. A quadratic temperature profile based on the layer mean and base temperature is assumed in each layer and extended to the surface. The model is tested at two sites on the Tibetan Plateau near Nam Co Lake during four days during the 2009 Monsoon season. In comparison to a two-layer model without explicit surface temperature estimate, there is a greatly reduced delay in diurnal flux cycles and the modelled surface temperature is much closer to observations. Comparison with a SVAT model and eddy covariance measurements shows an overall reasonable model performance based on RMSD and cross correlation comparisons between the modified and original model. A potential limitation of the model is the need for careful initialisation of the initial soil temperature profile, that requires field measurements. We show that the modified model is capable of reproducing fluxes of similar magnitudes and dynamics when compared to more complex methods chosen as a reference.
Intrahepatic Transposition of Bile Ducts
Authors: Delić Jasmin , Savković Admedina , Isaković Eldar , Marković Sergije , Bajtarevic Alma , Denjalić Amir
Published: April 2012

Objective. To describe the intrahepatic bile duct transposition (anatomical variation occurring in intrahepatic ducts) and to determine the frequency of this variation. Material and Methods. The researches were performed randomly on 100 livers of adults, both sexes. Main research methods were anatomical macrodissection. As a criterion for determination of variations in some parts of bile tree, we used the classification of Segmentatio hepatis according to Couinaud (1957) according to Terminologia Anatomica, Thieme Stuugart: Federative Committee on Anatomical Terminology, 1988. Results. Intrahepatic transposition of bile ducts was found in two cases (2%), out of total examined cases (100): right-left transposition (right segmental bile duct, originating from the segment VIII, joins the left liver duct-ductus hepaticus sinister) and left-right intrahepatic transposition (left segmental bile duct originating from the segment IV ends in right liver duct-ductus hepaticus dexter). Conclusion. Safety and success in liver transplantation to great extent depends on knowledge of anatomy and some common embryological anomalies in bile tree. Variations in bile tree were found in 24–43% of cases, out of which 1–22% are the variations of intrahepatic bile ducts. Therefore, good knowledge on ductal anatomy enables good planning, safe performance of therapeutic and operative procedures, and decreases the risk of intraoperative and postoperative complications.
The Czech Republic SimSmoke: The Effect of Tobacco Control Policies on Smoking Prevalence and Smoking Attributable Deaths in the Czech Republic
Authors: Levy David T. , Ross Hana , Kmetova Alexandra , Kralikova Eva , Stoklosa Michal , Blackman Kenneth
Published: April 2012

Background. The Czech Republic has a weak tobacco control record. This paper describes a simulation model examining the effect of future tobacco control policies in the Czech Republic on smoking prevalence and associated future premature mortality. Methods. The model is developed using the SimSmoke simulation model of tobacco control policy. The model uses population, smoking rates and tobacco control policy data for the Czech Republic. It assesses, individually and in combination, the effect of taxes, smoke-free air laws, mass media campaigns, advertising bans, warning labels, cessation treatment, and youth access policies. Results. With a comprehensive set of policies, smoking prevalence can be reduced by as much as 22% in the first year, by 35% in 20 years, and up to 40% in 30 years. By 2040, 5,873 deaths can be averted in that year alone. Without these policies, 113,004 people in the Czech Republic will die prematurely in the next 30 years. Conclusions. The model shows that significant inroads to reducing smoking prevalence and premature mortality can be achieved through tax increases, a high intensity media campaign, a comprehensive cessation treatment program, strong health warnings, stronger smoke-free air laws and marketing bans, and well-enforced youth access laws.
Capsaicin, a TRPV1 Ligand, Suppresses Bone Resorption by Inhibiting the Prostaglandin E Production of Osteoblasts, and Attenuates the Inflammatory Bone Loss Induced by Lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Kobayashi Megumi , Watanabe Kenta , Yokoyama Satoshi , Matsumoto Chiho , Hirata Michiko , Tominari Tsukasa , Inada Masaki , Miyaura Chisato
Published: April 2012

Capsaicin, a transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) ligand, regulates nerve-related pain-sensitive signals, inflammation, and cancer growth. Capsaicin suppresses interleukin-1-induced osteoclast differentiation, but its roles in bone tissues and bone diseases are not known. This study examined the effects of capsaicin on inflammatory bone resorption and prostaglandin E (PGE) production induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in vitro and on bone mass in LPS-treated mice in vivo. Capsaicin suppressed osteoclast formation, bone resorption, and PGE production induced by LPS in vitro. Capsaicin suppressed the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and membrane-bound PGE synthase-1 (mPGES-1) mRNAs and PGE production induced by LPS in osteoblasts. Capsaicin may suppress PGE production by inhibiting the expression of COX-2 and mPGES-1 in osteoblasts and LPS-induced bone resorption by TRPV1 signals because osteoblasts express TRPV1. LPS treatment markedly induced bone loss in the femur in mice, and capsaicin significantly restored the inflammatory bone loss induced by LPS in mice. TRPV1 ligands like capsaicin may therefore be potentially useful as clinical drugs targeting bone diseases associated with inflammatory bone resorption.
A Novel Algorithm of Advection Procedure in Volume of Fluid Method to Model Free Surface Flows
Authors: Ketabdari M. J. , Saghi H.
Published: April 2012

In this study, the developed procedure of advection in volume of fluid (VOF) method is presented for free surface modeling. The fluid is assumed to be incompressible and viscous and therefore, Navier-Stokes and continuity are considered as governing equations. Applying Youngs’ algorithm in staggered grids, it is assumed that fluid particles in the cell have the same velocity of the cell faces. Therefore, fluxes to neighboring cells are estimated based on cell face velocities. However, these particles can show different velocities between two adjacent cell faces. In developed model, the velocity in mass center of fluid cell is evaluated to calculate fluxes from cell faces. The performance of the model is evaluated using some alternative schemes such as translation, rotation, shear test, and dam break test. These tests showed that the developed procedure improves the results when using coarse grids. Therefore, the Modified Youngs-VOF (MYV) method is suggested as a new VOF algorithm which models the free surface problems more accurately.
La figure ovidienne Orphée / Eurydice dans Tombeau de J.R. Léveillé: ou faire vivre la mort
Authors: Hains Julia
Published: April 2012

Héritier de la génération littéraire postmoderne, le roman Tombeau de J.R. Léveillé se présente comme le résultat d’une équation thématique: l’amour et la mort provoquent la création artistique. Récit associatif, voire symbolique qui installe la Figure, celle du Créateur. Ce Créateur est Christian, mais par extension Orphée, tel qu’Ovide l’interprète dans ses Métamorphoses. Or, dès que naît l’acte de création s’installe la transformation d’un récit chronologique en un «déploiement» sémiotique, engageant d’emblée le lecteur dans une entreprise de décodification. L’examen des processus de lecture et plus précisément des processus perceptuel et cognitif, tels qu’établis par Gilles Thérien dans son article «L’exercice de la lecture littéraire», constitue une manière de rendre les signes qui composent le texte accessibles au lecteur, lui permettant ainsi de saisir l’analogie du mythe ovidien. Au niveau perceptuel, il s’agit d’une lecture engageante pour les sens du lecteur qui doit composer avec une structure obéissant à une esthétique de la transformation, alors que le genre narratif se teint d’accents élégiaques. Une ambiguïté formelle que reflète également le contenu alors que les deux récits présentent des personnages aux contours flous, une chronologie brouillée, des lieux imprécis et une entreprise de résurrection éphémère. Deux récits où le verbe «créer» devient synonyme d’«idéaliser».
De Québécoises deboutte! à Jesuisfeministe.com : croisements politiques et éditoriaux dans la presse des féministes radicales au Québec
Authors: Bergeron Marie-Andrée
Published: April 2012

Québécoises deboutte! (1971), La Vie en rose (1980) et le site Jesuisfeministe.com (2009), sont toutes trois des entreprises éditoriales féministes autonomes (autogérées et autofinancées). Les deux premières s’opposent férocement aux médias de masse, taxés de ne servir que les intérêts de la classe dominante, et tentent d’en contrer les effets néfastes. En ce sens, le site Jesuisfeministe.com s’inscrit en filiation avec ses prédécesseures, tentant lui aussi de faire entendre une voix féministe parmi le foisonnement éditorial actuel. Le site émet certes des critiques sévères à l’endroit des médias de masse, mais force est de constater que, la stratégie éditoriale transitant désormais par les technologies de l’information et de la communication, le changement de support induit un nouveau rapport avec le discours. Cet article explore les constantes discursives qui traversent trois décennies de presse des féministes radicales au Québec en plus d’observer le rapport entretenu avec les médias traditionnels.
Le Roman de la Rose : représentations allégoriques et transformations iconographiques du manuscrit à l’imprimé. Étude du manuscrit Douce 195 et de l’incunable Rosenwald 3961
Authors: Wilhelmy Audrée
Published: April 2012

Cet article propose une étude des transformations iconographiques que subit Le Roman de la Rose de Guillaume de Lorris et de Jean de Meun lors de son passage du manuscrit à l’imprimé. Malgré une forte tradition picturale qui impose la récurrence de nombreuses figures, les divergences entre les documents étudiés (le manuscrit Douce 195 et l’incunable Rosenwald 396) sont nombreuses et témoignent de profonds changements dans le rapport entre l’image et le texte. Que ce soit à travers l’analyse des représentations allégoriques, celle du parcours iconographique ou celle de la composition des miniatures, cette étude se veut représentative d’un phénomène au coeur des bouleversements que connaît le livre au xve siècle.
Le tournant vers l’intérieur
Authors: Puchner Walter
Published: April 2012

La période après le rétablissement de la démocratie en Grèce a apporté aussi bien des changements institutionnels sur l’art théâtral que des changements sur la dramaturgie, en tant que forme et contenu. Du théâtre engagé des années ’60 et ’70 qui s’occupait de la situation politique du point de vue de l’intelligentsia, on passe, sous l’influence de Karolos Koun, à un théâtre logocentrique qui nécessitait peu de personnages et de frais pour sa réalisation, mais qui décrivait la réalité sociale de façon réaliste et reconnaissable tout en utilisant certaines techniques du « théâtre de l’absurde », ainsi que du théâtre de Brecht.

La grande forme de la Revue qui, durant la junte, permettait la guérilla avec la censure, n’est plus utile après le retour à la démocratie puisque la satire n’a pas d’ennemi personnalisé mais des ennemis abstraits. Le tournant du théâtre grec « vers l’intérieur » existait déjà grâce aux monologues formidables de Kambanellis, mais il devient plus manifeste à partir des années ’80 et ’90.
L’immigré dans la dramaturgie grecque contemporaine
Authors: Felopoulou Sophia
Published: April 2012

Le personnage de l’immigré, de l’émigré, du refugié, de l’exclus et banni a préoccupé la dramaturgie grecque depuis longtemps. Au début comme personnage secondaire et ensuite comme protagoniste dont les péripéties constituent le noyau de la pièce. Le présent article aborde le sujet de l’immigration dans la dramaturgie grecque après 1990 jusqu’à nos jours et propose, à partir de thématiques spécifiques, l’étude des pièces les plus représentatives des dernières années.

L’étude est divisée en trois parties. Dans la première, nous examinons le Grec en tant qu’émigré économique ou politique ; dans la deuxième, notre intérêt porte sur les immigrés en Grèce où nous distinguons deux optiques : celle des Grecs et celle des immigrés. Le regard des immigrés sur eux-mêmes se fait soit par des auteurs grecs soit par des étrangers. Dans la dernière partie, l’image de l’immigré est analysée par le biais de la notion de l’Étranger et de l’identité.

Nous remarquons que très souvent les problèmes et les situations qui touchent les immigrés sont mis dans un cadre plus vaste qui pourrait comprendre l’ensemble de la population. Les dramaturges grecs font ainsi preuve de leur sensibilité et de leurs réflexes politiques, et l’art du théâtre se montre toujours prêt à prendre le parti les défavorisés.
Tasman spirit oil spill in Pakistan: Research response and lessons learned
Authors: Janjua Naveed Z. , Kadir Muhammad M. , Lutfi Shahid , Tipre Meghan , Sathiakumar Nalini
Published: April 2012

Background

This article presents lessons learned from an investigation of the acute human health effects of the “Tasman Spirit” oil spill from a perspective of conducting rapid response investigations in developing countries.

Methods

We reviewed various steps in our investigation, other studies on oil spills in Pakistan and around the world, and reflected upon our discussions and interactions with various stakeholders.

Results

The article highlights the importance of applying a public health, legal, and ethical framework for conducting rapid response investigations, developing a pre‐established funding mechanism, and addressing study design issues, exposure and outcome measurements, political issues, community engagement, and communication of results.

Conclusion

There is need to develop ethical and legal framework and funding mechanism for conducting rapid response research in developing countries. A repository of study protocols, validated tools, and laboratory methods for exposure and outcome assessment would be greatly beneficial. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:124–131, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Indoor fine particle (PM2.5) pollution exposure due to secondhand smoke in selected public places of Sri Lanka
Authors: Nandasena Sumal , Wickremasinghe Ananda R. , Lee Kiyoung , Sathiakumar Nalini
Published: April 2012

Background

Secondhand smoke accounts for a considerable proportion of deaths due to tobacco smoke. Although the existing laws ban indoor smoking in public places in Sri Lanka, the level of compliance is unknown.

Methods

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels in 20 public places in Colombo, Sri Lanka were measured by a PM monitor (Model AM510—SIDEPAK Personal Aerosol Monitor). Different types of businesses (restaurants, bars, cafés, and entertainment venues) were selected by purposive sampling. Only the places where smoking was permitted were considered.

Results

The average indoor PM2.5 ranged from 33 to 299 µg/m3. The average outdoor PM2.5 ranged from 18 to 83 µg/m3. The indoor to outdoor PM2.5 ratio ranged from 1.05 to 14.93. In all venues, indoor PM2.5 levels were higher than the Sri Lankan ambient PM2.5 standard of 50 µg/m3. All indoor locations had higher PM2.5 levels as compared to their immediate outdoor surroundings.

Conclusion

The study highlights the importance of improving ventilation and enforcing laws to stop smoking in public places. Am. J. Ind. Med. 55:1129–1136, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Erforschung des Niemandslandes zwischen molekularen Magneten und magnetischen Nanopartikeln
Authors: Gatteschi Dante , Fittipaldi Maria , Sangregorio Claudio , Sorace Lorenzo
Published: April 2012

Ein Vergleich der strukturellen und magnetischen Eigenschaften von molekularen Nanomagneten und magnetischen Nanopartikeln kann hilfreich sein, um ein tieferes Verständnis des magnetischen Verhaltens im Zwischenbereich zwischen molekularen und Bulkobjekten zu gewinnen. In dieser Hinsicht sind Eisen‐Oxo‐Cluster besonders interessant, weil hier eine Reihe von molekularen Systemen existiert, die der Größe von magnetischen Eisenoxid‐Nanopartikeln nahekommen. In diesem Kurzaufsatz geben wir einen Überblick über Literaturdaten, mit dem Ziel, ein besseres Verständnis davon zu erlangen, wie die Eigenschaften molekularer Nanomagnete in magnetischen Nanopartikeln in Erscheinung treten und umgekehrt.
Synthesis of poly((vinyloxy)ethanesulfonic acid)‐grafted ETFE membrane via radiation grafting and its characterization
Authors: Kinger Niketa , Ko Beom‐Seok , Sohn Joon‐Yong , Nho Young‐Chang , Shin Junhwa
Published: April 2012

We report the synthesis of a new fuel cell membrane, poly((vinyloxy)ethanesulfonic acid)‐grafted poly(ethylene‐co‐tetrafluoroethylene) (ETFE) film by simultaneous radiation grafting of 2‐chloroethyl vinyl ether onto ETFE film followed by sulfonation. The effects of various irradiation conditions such as the solvents, dose rate, and monomer concentration on the degree of grafting were investigated in detail. The sulfonation procedure of the grafted ETFE films used to replace the chlorine group with a sulfonic acid group includes the following steps. The first step is the formation of thiouronium salt with thiourea, the second step is the hydrolysis with NaOH to form thiol, and the final step is an oxidation of thiol using hydrogen peroxide to achieve the desired sulfonic acid group. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDX) instruments were used to confirm the chemical reaction at every step of the process. In addition, the thermal degradation behaviors of the original ETFE film, grafted ETFE film, and sulfonated membrane were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis. To elucidate the possible applications of poly((vinyloxy)ethanesulfonic acid)‐grafted ETFE membranes for direct methanol fuel cells, ion exchange capacity, water uptake, proton conductivity, and methanol permeability were investigated and compared with Nafion 212. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Injectable in situ forming glucose‐responsive dextran‐based hydrogels to deliver adipogenic factor for adipose tissue engineering
Authors: Tan Huaping , Hu Xiaohong
Published: April 2012

An injectable and glucose‐responsive hydrogel derived from dextran derivatives and lectin concanavalin A (ConA) was synthesized to deliver adipogenic factor for adipose tissue engineering. The gelation is attributed to the Schiff‐base reaction cross‐linking between aldehydic and aminated dextran. To enhance adipogenesis, the adipogenic factor of insulin was incorporated in the ConA immobilized hydrogels. The gelation time, compressive modulus, morphologies, weight loss, and swelling properties of the hydrogels were investigated. The ConA triggered a competitive displacement of dextran by glucose from the lectin receptor sites, and results in increasing swelling of the gel network. The swelling ratio (SR) of ConA immobilized hydrogel showed glucose dependent properties and linearly increased from 19.8 to 31.3 at 37°C in PBS at glucose concentrations between 0 and 1.0% (w/v). The in vitro release experiments showed that the insulin would be released from this dextran hydrogel into the local microenvironment in response to glucose, thus highlighting the potential of such a injectable and biodegradable hydrogel to be used as part of implantable scaffold to delivery adipogenic factor for adipose tissue engineering. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Preparation and characterization of photocured thiol‐ene hydrogel: Adsorption of Au(III) ions from aqueous solutions
Authors: Fırlak Melike , Kahraman Memet Vezir , Yetimoğlu Ece Kök
Published: April 2012

In this study, photocured a novel thiol‐ene hydrogels based on P(Penta3MP4/PEG‐DA/HEMA) were investigated for adsorption of Au(III) ions from aqueous solutions purposes. The photopolymerization kinetics of thiol‐ene‐based formulations was investigated by real‐time infrared spectroscopy. The chemical composition and surface morphology of hydrogels were also characterized. The effect of different parameters on Au(III) adsorption efficiency was examined in detail. Better adsorption behavior was achieved for Au(III) by P(Penta3MP4/PEG‐DA/HEMA) F1 hydrogels. The maximum uptake for Au(III) was at pH 0.5. Both Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm models were applied and the reusability of thiol‐ene hydrogels investigated. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Strategic knowledge maps of the techno‐scientific network (SK maps)
Authors: Pino‐Díaz José , Jiménez‐Contreras Evaristo , Ruíz‐Baños Rosario , Bailón‐Moreno Rafael
Published: April 2012

Knowledge engineering and information mapping are two recent scientific disciplines in constant development where mathematics, linguistics, computer science, and information visualization converge. Their main focus is to discover and display new knowledge in large document databases. They have broad and innovative fields of application for strategic scouting in science and technology, knowledge management, business intelligence, and scientific and technological evaluation. This article presents a new method for mapping the strategic research network and illustrates its application to the strategic analysis of the knowledge domain “Spanish Research in Protected Areas for the Period 1981–2005.” This strategic knowledge is displayed through a set of two‐dimensional cartographic maps and three‐dimensional images of two networks: the international network WoS_KWAJ (1981–2005) and the national network IEDCYT_KWAJ (1981–2005). These maps can be very useful in decision‐making processes for science and technology policy.
Probing of C‐terminal lysine variation in a recombinant monoclonal antibody production using Chinese hamster ovary cells with chemically defined media
Authors: Luo Jun , Zhang Jian , Ren Diya , Tsai Wen‐Lin , Li Feng , Amanullah Ashraf , Hudson Terry
Published: April 2012

C‐terminal lysine (C‐K) variants are commonly observed in therapeutic monoclonal antibodies and recombinant proteins. Heterogeneity of C‐K residues is believed to result from varying degree of proteolysis by endogenous carboxypeptidase(s) during cell culture production. The achievement of batch‐to‐batch culture performance and product quality reproducibility is a key cell culture development criterion. Understanding the operational parameters affecting C‐K levels provides valuable insight into the cell culture process. A CHO cell line X expressing a recombinant antibody was selected as the model cell line due to the exhibited sensitivity of its C‐K level to the process conditions. A weak cation exchange chromatography (WCX) method with or without carboxypeptidase B (CpB) treatment was developed to monitor the C‐K level for in‐process samples. The effects of operating conditions (i.e., temperature and culture duration) and media trace elements (copper and zinc) on C‐K variants were studied. The dominant effect on C‐K level was identified as the trace elements concentration. Specifically, increased C‐K levels were observed with increase of copper concentration and decrease of zinc concentration in chemically defined medium. Further, a hypothesis for C‐K processing with intracellular and extracellular carboxypeptidase activity was proposed, based on preliminary intracellular carboxypeptidase Western blot results and the extracellular HCCF holding study. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012;109: 2306–2315. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dynamics of diffusivity and pressure drop in flow‐through and parallel‐flow bioreactors during tissue regeneration
Authors: Podichetty Jagdeep T. , Dhane Dhananjay V. , Madihally Sundararajan V.
Published: April 2012

In this study, transport characteristics in flow‐through and parallel‐flow bioreactors used in tissue engineering were simulated using computational fluid dynamics. To study nutrient distribution and consumption by smooth muscle cells colonizing the 100 mm diameter and 2‐mm thick scaffold, effective diffusivity of glucose was experimentally determined using a two‐chambered setup. Three different concentrations of chitosan–gelatin scaffolds were prepared by freezing at −80°C followed by lyophilization. Experiments were performed in both bioreactors to measure pressure drop at different flow rates. At low flow rates, experimental results were in agreement with the simulation results for both bioreactors. However, increase in flow rate beyond 5 mL/min in flow‐through bioreactor showed channeling at the circumference resulting in lower pressure drop relative to simulation results. The Peclet number inside the scaffold indicated nutrient distribution within the flow‐through bioreactor to be convection‐dependent, whereas the parallel‐flow bioreactor was diffusion‐dependent. Three alternative design modifications to the parallel‐flow were made by (i) introducing an additional inlet and an outlet, (ii) changing channel position, and (iii) changing the hold‐up volume. Simulation studies were performed to assess the effect of scaffold thickness, cell densities, and permeability. These new designs improved nutrient distribution for 2 mm scaffolds; however, parallel‐flow configuration was found to be unsuitable for scaffolds more than 4‐mm thick, especially at low porosities as tissues regenerate. Furthermore, operable flow rate in flow‐through bioreactors is constrained by the mechanical strength of the scaffold. In summary, this study showed limitations and differences between flow‐through and parallel‐flow bioreactors used in tissue engineering. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 28: 1045–1054, 2012
Rab GTPases regulating receptor trafficking at the late endosome–lysosome membranes
Authors: Ng Ee Ling , Gan Bin Qi , Ng Fanny , Tang Bor Luen
Published: April 2012

Lysosomes serve key degradative functions for the turnover of membrane lipids and protein components. Its biogenesis is principally dependent on exocytic traffic from the late endosome via the trans‐Golgi network, and it also receives cargo to be degraded from the endocytic pathway. Membrane trafficking to the late endosome–lysosome is tightly regulated to maintain the amplitude of signalling events and cellular homeostasis. Key coordinators of lysosomal traffic include members of the Rab small GTPase family. Amongst these, Rab7, Rab9 and the more recently studied Rab22B/31 have all been reported to regulate membrane trafficking processed at the late endosome–lysosome system. We discuss what is known about the roles of these Rab proteins and their interacting partners on the regulation of traffic of important receptor proteins such as the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the mannose 6‐phosphate receptor (M6PR), in association with the late endosome–lysosome system. Better knowledge of EGFR and M6PR traffic in this regard may aid in understanding the pathological processes, such as oncogenic transformations associated with these receptors. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tropomodulins: Pointed‐end capping proteins that regulate actin filament architecture in diverse cell types
Authors: Yamashiro Sawako , Gokhin David S. , Kimura Sumiko , Nowak Roberta B. , Fowler Velia M.
Published: April 2012

Tropomodulins are a family of four proteins (Tmods 1–4) that cap the pointed ends of actin filaments in actin cytoskeletal structures in a developmentally regulated and tissue‐specific manner. Unique among capping proteins, Tmods also bind tropomyosins (TMs), which greatly enhance the actin filament pointed‐end capping activity of Tmods. Tmods are defined by a TM‐regulated/Pointed‐End Actin Capping (TM‐Cap) domain in their unstructured N‐terminal portion, followed by a compact, folded Leucine‐Rich Repeat/Pointed‐End Actin Capping (LRR‐Cap) domain. By inhibiting actin monomer association and dissociation from pointed ends, Tmods regulate actin dynamics and turnover, stabilizing actin filament lengths and cytoskeletal architecture. In this review, we summarize the genes, structural features, molecular and biochemical properties, actin regulatory mechanisms, expression patterns, and cell and tissue functions of Tmods. By understanding Tmods' functions in the context of their molecular structure, actin regulation, binding partners, and related variants (leiomodins 1–3), we can draw broad conclusions that can explain the diverse morphological and functional phenotypes that arise from Tmod perturbation experiments in vitro and in vivo. Tmod‐based stabilization and organization of intracellular actin filament networks provide key insights into how the emergent properties of the actin cytoskeleton drive tissue morphogenesis and physiology. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
Identification of Selective Inhibitors of the Potassium Channel Kv1.1–1.2(3) by High‐Throughput Virtual Screening and Automated Patch Clamp
Authors: Wacker Sören J. , Jurkowski Wiktor , Simmons Katie J. , Fishwick Colin W. G. , Johnson A. Peter , Madge David , Lindahl Erik , Rolland Jean‐Francois , de Groot Bert L.
Published: April 2012

Two voltage‐dependent potassium channels, Kv1.1 (KCNA1) and Kv1.2 (KCNA2), are found to co‐localize at the juxtaparanodal region of axons throughout the nervous system and are known to co‐assemble in heteromultimeric channels, most likely in the form of the concatemer Kv1.1–1.2(3). Loss of the myelin sheath, as is observed in multiple sclerosis, uncovers the juxtaparanodal region of nodes of Ranvier in myelinated axons leading to potassium conductance, resulting in loss of nerve conduction. The selective blocking of these Kv channels is therefore a promising approach to restore nerve conduction and function. In the present study, we searched for novel inhibitors of Kv1.1–1.2(3) by combining a virtual screening protocol and electrophysiological measurements on a concatemer Kv1.1–1.2(3) stably expressed in Chinese hamster ovary K1 (CHO‐K1) cells. The combined use of four popular virtual screening approaches (eHiTS, FlexX, Glide, and Autodock‐Vina) led to the identification of several compounds as potential inhibitors of the Kv1.1–1.2(3) channel. From 89 electrophysiologically evaluated compounds, 14 novel compounds were found to inhibit the current carried by Kv1.1–1.2(3) channels by more than 80 % at 10 μM. Accordingly, the IC50 values calculated from concentration–response curve titrations ranged from 0.6 to 6 μM. Two of these compounds exhibited at least 30‐fold higher potency in inhibition of Kv1.1–1.2(3) than they showed in inhibition of a set of cardiac ion channels (hERG, Nav1.5, and Cav1.2), resulting in a profile of selectivity and cardiac safety. The results presented herein provide a promising basis for the development of novel selective ion channel inhibitors, with a dramatically lower demand in terms of experimental time, effort, and cost than a sole high‐throughput screening approach of large compound libraries.
Color thresholds for aesthetically compatible replacement of stones on monuments
Authors: Concha‐Lozano Nicolas , Lafon Dominique , Sabiri Noura , Gaudon Pierre
Published: April 2012

A visual test was conducted to find color ranges in which a replacement stone is aesthetically compatible. This study describes a color calibrated image chain processing, from acquisition to display, that was used to simulate stone replacements on a realistic image of monument. Then, a visual test protocol was designed to locate color thresholds that separate a perceptible from an imperceptible replaced stone. A case study has been performed on the Aigues‐Mortes medieval city walls (South of France): Fifteen naive observers rated 2160 proposals of simulated stone replacements. The observer's answers (acceptance or rejection) were used to compute color thresholds along three colorimetric axes in a physiological and device‐independent color space (LMS). The results show that color thresholds are not centered on the mean color of the monument. Furthermore, lighter colors are not accepted, though these appear in the original wall. These color thresholds constitute a set of quantitative criteria for aesthetically compatible stones. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 38, 356–363, 2013
Measuring linear density of threads in single‐system‐mélange color fabrics with FCM algorithm
Authors: Pan Ruru , Liu Jihong , Gao Weidong
Published: April 2012

According to the color yarns in the fabric, the fabrics can be divided into three categories: solid color fabrics, single‐system‐mélange color fabrics, and double‐system‐mélange color fabrics. The density of solid fabrics can be inspected with gray‐projection method or Fourier analysis method. But the methods cannot be applied to yarn‐dyed fabrics directly. A method for detecting the density of single‐system‐mélange color fabrics will be discussed in this article. By analyzing the pattern and color characters of single‐system‐mélange color fabrics, fuzzy C‐means algorithm is proposed to classify the colors in the fabric image based on CIELAB color space first. With the color segmentation results, the fabric can be divided into different blocks. The yarns can be located in different blocks with different average gray‐levels, and then the number of yarns can be counted in each block. The linear density of threads can be obtained by counting the yarns in a unit length finally. The experiment proved that the algorithm proposed in this study can inspect the density of single‐system‐mélange color fabric successfully. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 38, 456–462, 2013
Vector diffusion maps and the connection Laplacian
Authors: Singer A. , Wu H.‐T.
Published: April 2012

We introduce vector diffusion maps (VDM), a new mathematical framework for organizing and analyzing massive high‐dimensional data sets, images, and shapes. VDMis a mathematical and algorithmic generalization of diffusion maps and other nonlinear dimensionality reduction methods, such as LLE, ISOMAP, and Laplacian eigenmaps. While existing methods are either directly or indirectly related to the heat kernel for functions over the data, VDM is based on the heat kernel for vector fields. VDM provides tools for organizing complex data sets, embedding them in a low‐dimensional space, and interpolating and regressing vector fields over the data. In particular, it equips the data with a metric, which we refer to as the vector diffusion distance. In the manifold learning setup, where the data set is distributed on a low‐dimensional manifold
${\cal M}^d$
embedded in $\font\open=msbm10 at 10pt\def\R{\hbox{\open R}}\R^p$, we prove the relation between VDM and the connection Laplacian operator for vector fields over the manifold. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
RNA/DNA ratios in American glass eels (Anguilla rostrata): evidence for latitudinal variation in physiological status and constraints to oceanic migration?
Authors: Laflamme Simon , Côté Caroline , Gagnaire Pierre‐Alexandre , Castonguay Martin , Bernatchez Louis
Published: April 2012

During their larval leptocephalus phase, newly hatched American eels undergo an extensive oceanic migration from the Sargasso Sea toward coastal and freshwater habitats. Their subsequent metamorphosis into glass eel is accompanied by drastic morphological and physiological changes preceding settlement over a wide geographic range. The main objective of this study was to compare RNA/DNA ratios and condition factor among glass eels in order to test the null hypothesis of no difference in physiological status and metabolic activity of glass eels at the outcome of their oceanic migration. This was achieved by analyzing glass eel samples collected at the mouth of 17 tributaries covering a latitudinal gradient across the species distribution range from Florida to Gaspésie (Québec). Our main observations were (i) a latitudinal increase in mean total length; (ii) a latitudinal variation in mean RNA/DNA ratios, which was best explained by a quadratic model reaching its minimum in the central range of sampling locations; and (iii) a latitudinal variation in Fulton's condition factor, which was best explained by a quadratic model reaching its maximum in the central range of sampling locations. Below we discuss the possible links between latitudinal variation in glass eel physiological status and variable energetic and environmental constraints to oceanic migration as a function of latitudinal distribution.
Novel Sensors for Batch and Flow Injection Analysis of Histamine Based on Crown Ethers
Authors: Elmosallamy Mohamed A. F.
Published: April 2012

Six types of histamine potentiometric sensors are developed. They are based on using dibenzo‐30‐crown‐10 (DB30C10) with potassium tetrakis(p‐chlorophenyl)borate lipophilic additive (Type I), dibenzo‐30‐crown‐10 without additive (Type II), dibenzo‐24‐crown‐8 (DB24C8) with the same additive (Type III), dibenzo‐24‐crown‐8 without additive (Type IV), dibenzo‐18‐crown‐6 with the additive (Type V) and dibenzo‐18‐crown‐6 without additive (Type VI) as neutral carriers for histamine. Sensors based on dibenzo‐30‐crown‐10 with (PTp‐C1PB) lipophilic additive (Type I) and dibenzo‐30‐crown‐10 without additive (Type II) show good response. The other sensors Types III–VI show poor response in terms of calibration range and slope.
Methoxylation and Glycosylation Effect on the Redox Mechanism of Citroflavones
Authors: Diculescu Victor Constantin , Satana H. Eda , de Souza Gil Eric , Brett Ana Maria Oliveira
Published: April 2012

The methoxylation and glycosylation effect on the redox mechanism of citroflavones, isorhoifolin, linarin, diosmetin and diosmin, was investigated. All citroflavones’ hydroxyl groups can be electrochemically oxidised, and the oxidation at the B‐ring occurs at a lower potential than at the A‐ring. The electrochemical oxidation is irreversible, pH‐dependent, with occurrence of one or two oxidation products, which undergo reversible redox reactions, depending on the number of OH substituents on the molecule. The glycosylation leads to a steric effect and decreasing of the oxidation peak currents whereas the methylation involves the formation of nonelectroactive oxidation products.
Plant root traits affecting the resistance of soils to concentrated flow erosion
Authors: Burylo Melanie , Rey Freddy , Mathys Nicolle , Dutoit Thierry
Published: April 2012

The effect of plant species on erosion processes may be decisive for long‐term soil protection in degraded ecosystems. The identification of functional effect traits that predict species ability for erosion control would be of great interest for ecological restoration purposes. Flume experiments were carried out to investigate the effect of the root systems of three species having contrasted ecological requirements from eroded marly lands of the French Southern Alps [i.e. Robinia pseudo acacia (tree), Pinus nigra austriaca (tree) and Achnatherum calamagrostis (grass)], on concentrated flow erosion rates. Ten functional traits, describing plant morphological and biomechanical features, were measured on each tested sample. Analyses were performed to identify traits that determine plant root effects on erosion control. Erosion rates were lowest for samples of Robinia pseudo acacia, intermediate in Achnatherum calamagrostis and highest in Pinus nigra austriaca. The three species also differed strongly in their traits. Principal components analysis showed that the erosion‐reducing potential of plant species was negatively correlated to root diameter and positively correlated to the percentage of fine roots. The results highlighted the role of small flexible roots in root reinforcement processes, and suggested the importance of high root surface and higher tensile strength for soil stabilization. By combining flume experiment to plant functional traits measurements, we identified root system features influencing plant species performance for soil protection against concentrated flow erosion. Plant functional traits related to species efficiency for erosion control represent useful tools to improve the diagnosis of land vulnerability to erosion, plant community resistance and the prediction of ecosystem functioning after ecological restoration. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The anastomosing pattern and the extensively distributed scroll bars in the middle Amazon River
Authors: Rozo Max G. , Nogueira Afonso C. R. , Truckenbrodt Werner
Published: April 2012

The middle Amazon River, between the confluences of the Negro and Madeira Rivers in Brazil, shows an anastomosing morphology with relatively stable, multiple interconnected channels that locally enclose floodbasins. Additionally, this system is characterized by sinuous secondary channels with meander development, discontinuous natural levees concentrated on the concave banks and extensively distributed scroll bars mainly in the islands, related to subrecent and present‐day migration of mainly secondary channels. This distinguishes the Amazon from many other anastomosing rivers that have laterally stable, non‐meandering channels. We analyzed sedimentary processes using field data, morphology and channel changes trough a temporal analysis using remote sensing data and obtained optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating to understand the genesis of this large anastomosing river and the development of its meandering secondary channels. Scroll bars have developed in a multichannel river system at least since 7.5 ± 0.85 ka. Avulsion is inferred to have played a minor role in the formation of this anastomosing system, with only one documented case while mid‐channel bar formation and chute cut‐offs of the main and secondary channels are the main formative mechanisms of anastomosis in this system. Differences in resistance to erosion control the relatively straight main channel and allow secondary channels to develop a meandering platform. Vegetation contributes to the relative stability of islands and the floodplain. Low gradient and high average aggradation rate (1.1 mm yr−1) are conditions which favor the development of anastomosis. Additionally, stable external conditions, low abandonment rate of older channels and independence from high avulsion frequency suggest a long‐lived, semi‐static type of anastomosing river in this reach of the Amazon. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.