bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of the variational iteration method to nonlinear non‐Fourier conduction heat transfer equation with variable coefficient
Authors: Saedodin Seyfolah , Yaghoobi Hessameddin , Torabi Mohsen
Published: July 2011

In this paper, a variational iteration method (VIM) has been applied to nonlinear non‐Fourier conduction heat transfer equation with variable specific heat coefficient. The concept of the variational iteration method is introduced briefly for applying this method for problem solving. The proposed iterative scheme finds the solution without any discretization, linearization, or restrictive assumptions. The results of VIM as an analytical solution are then compared with those derived from the established numerical solution obtained by the fourth order Runge–Kutta method in order to verify the accuracy of the proposed method. The results reveal that the VIM is very effective and convenient in predicting the solution of such problems, and it is predicted that VIM can find a wide application in new engineering problems. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/htj). DOI 10.1002/htj.20362
Behavioral study of alumina nanoparticles in pool boiling heat transfer on a vertical surface
Authors: Hegde Ramakrishna N. , Reddy R.P. , Rao Srikanth S.
Published: July 2011

Experiments were carried out to investigate the pool boiling of alumina‐water nanofluid at 0.1 g/l to 0.5 g/l of distilled water, and the nucleate pool boiling heat transfer of pure water and nanofluid at different mass concentrations were compared at and above the atmospheric pressure. At atmospheric pressure, different concentrations of nanofluids display different degrees of deterioration in boiling heat transfer. The effect of pressure and concentration of nanoparticles revealed significant enhancement in heat flux and deterioration in pool boiling. The heat transfer coefficient of 0.5 g/l alumina‐water nanofluid was compared with pure water and clearly indicates deterioration. At all pressures the heat transfer coefficients of the nanofluid were lower than those of pure water. Experimental observation revealed particles coating over the heater surface and subsequent SEM inspection of the heater surface showed nanoparticles coating on the surface forming a porous layer. To substantiate the nanoparticle deposition and its effect on heat flux, investigation was done by measuring the surface roughness of the heater surface before and after the experiment. While SEM images of the heater surface revealed nanoparticle deposition, surface roughness of the heater surface confirmed it. Based on the experimental investigations it can be concluded that an optimum thickness of nanoparticles coating favors an increase in heat flux. Higher surface temperature due to the presence of nanoparticles coating results in the deterioration of boiling heat transfer. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/htj). DOI 10.1002/htj.20365
Delineation of reservoirs using remote sensing and their storage estimate: an example of the Yellow River basin, China
Authors: Ran Lishan , Lu X. X.
Published: July 2011

Reservoirs are an integral component of water resources planning and management. Periodic and accurate assessment of the water storage change in reservoirs is an extraordinarily important aspect for better watershed management and water resources development. In view of the shortcomings of conventional approaches in locating reservoirs' spatial location and quantifying their storage, the remote sensing technique has several advantages, either for a single reservoir or for a group of reservoirs. The satellite‐based remote sensing data, encompassing spatial, spectral and temporal attributes, can provide high‐resolution synoptic and repetitive information with short time intervals on a large scale. Using remote sensing images in conjunction with Google Earth and field check of representative reservoirs, the spatial distribution of constructed reservoirs in the Yellow River basin was delineated, and their storage volume and the residence time of the stored water were estimated. The results showed that 2816 reservoirs were extracted from the images, accounting for 89·5% of the registered total. All large‐ and medium‐sized reservoirs were extracted while small reservoirs may not be extracted due to coarse resolution and cloud‐cover shadows. An empirical relationship between the extracted water surface area and the compiled storage capacity of representative reservoirs was developed. The water storage capacity was estimated to be 66·71 km3, about 92·7% of the total storage capacity reported by the authority. Furthermore, the basin was divided into 10 sub‐basins upon which the water's residence time was analysed. The water discharge in the basin has been greatly regulated. The residence time has surged to 3·97 years in recent years, ranking the Yellow River in the top three of the list in terms of residence time and flow regulation among large river systems in the world. It is expected that it will be further extended in future owing to decreasing water discharge and increasing reservoir storage capacity. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Role of Executive Control of Attention and Selective Encoding for Preschoolers' Learning
Authors: Roderer Thomas , Krebs Saskia , Schmid Corinne , Roebers Claudia M.
Published: July 2011

Selectivity in encoding, aspects of attentional control and their contribution to learning performance were explored in a sample of preschoolers. While the children are performing a learning task, their encoding of relevant and attention towards irrelevant information was recorded through an eye‐tracking device. Recognition of target items was used as measure of learning outcome, and individual differences in resistance to interference and inhibition of attention to task‐irrelevant stimuli (i.e. distractibility) were used as measures of executive control of attention. Results indicated well‐developed selectivity during encoding in young children. Recognition performance was related to selective encoding and aspects of attentional control, explaining individual differences in learning. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Empathy, Perspective Taking and Prosocial Behaviour: The Importance of Parenting Practices
Authors: Farrant Brad M. , Devine Tara A. J. , Maybery Murray T. , Fletcher Janet
Published: July 2011

The current study analyzed the relationships among maternal empathy (emotional and cognitive), parenting that encourages the child to take the perspective of others, child cognitive empathy and child prosocial behaviour. Participants were 72 typically developing children (66 Caucasian, six Asian) aged between 47 and 76 months (M = 61.5 months, SD = 8.3 months). Results support the facilitative effect of parenting that encourages the child to take the perspective of others. Thus, the role played by parents in the development of prosocial behaviour extends beyond warm/sensitive/responsive parenting in infancy. Together these forms of parenting are key factors that facilitate the development of prosocial behaviour. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Epigenetic regulation of osteoclast differentiation: Possible involvement of Jmjd3 in the histone demethylation of Nfatc1
Authors: Yasui Tetsuro , Hirose Jun , Tsutsumi Shuichi , Nakamura Kozo , Aburatani Hiroyuki , Tanaka Sakae
Published: July 2011

Gene expression is controlled by epigenetic mechanisms such as histone acetylation and methylation, and recent studies have revealed that key developmental steps are regulated by the trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4me3) and lysine 27 (H3K27me3). Using ChIP sequencing technology combined with real-time PCR, we here demonstrate that the H3K27me3 observed in the Nfatc1 gene in bone marrow–derived macrophages (BMMs) was markedly reduced in mature osteoclasts. Jumonji domain-containing 3 (Jmjd3), a H3K27 demethylase, was induced in bone marrow–derived macrophages and in the vicinity of the transcription start site (TSS) of nuclear factor–activated T cells (NFAT) c1 in response to receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) stimulation. Gene silencing of the Jmjd3 gene by short hairpin RNA reduced demethylation of H3K27me3 at the TSS of Nfatc1 and suppressed RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis. These results suggest that the demethylation of H3K27me3 in the Nfatc1 gene locus by Jmjd3 plays a critical role in RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Counterpoise correction is not useful for short and Van der Waals distances but may be useful at long range
Authors: Sheng Xiao Wei , Mentel Lukasz , Gritsenko Oleg V. , Baerends Evert Jan
Published: July 2011

This article investigates the errors in supermolecule calculations for the helium dimer. In a full CI calculation, there are two errors. One is the basis set superposition error (BSSE), the other is the basis set convergence error (BSCE). Both of the errors arise from the incompleteness of the basis set. These two errors make opposite contributions to the interaction energies. The BSCE is by far the largest error in the short range and larger than (but much closer to) BSSE around the Van der Waals minimum. Only at the long range, the BSSE becomes the larger error. The BSCE and BSSE largely cancel each other over the Van der Waals well. Accordingly, it may be recommended to not include the BSSE for the calculation of the potential energy curve from short distance till well beyond the Van der Waals minimum, but it may be recommended to include the BSSE correction if an accurate tail behavior is required. Only if the calculation has used a very large basis set, one can refrain from including the counterpoise correction in the full potential range. These results are based on full CI calculations with the aug‐cc‐pVXZ (X = D, T, Q, 5) basis sets. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 32: 2896–2901, 2011
Bioproduction of cis‐(1S,2R)‐indandiol, a chiral pharmaceutical intermediate, using a solid–liquid two‐phase partitioning bioreactor for enhanced removal of inhibitors
Authors: Dafoe Julian T S , Daugulis Andrew J
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND: A solid‐liquid two‐phase partitioning bioreactor (TPPB) was used in the biotransformation of indene to cis‐(1S,2R)‐indandiol by Pseudomonas putida 421‐5 (ATCC 55687). Metered substrate feeding in single‐phase operation, or delivery from an immiscible liquid, have previously been employed to regulate the exposure of the biocatalyst to inhibitory concentrations of the substrate. In contrast, the solid‐liquid platform provided in situ substrate addition (ISSA) as well as simultaneous it in situ product removal (ISPR) as a means of overcoming substrate and product toxicity. Three different modes of operation were compared for their effects on the performance of this biotransformation: single‐phase, fed‐batch operation was carried out as a benchmark in 2.75 L aqueous medium, and subsequently with the inclusion of either 700 g liquid silicone oil or 700 g solid polymer beads.

RESULTS: Biphasic modes achieved a 3‐fold productivity improvement with respect to single‐phase (30 to 90 mg L−1 h−1), and solid‐liquid productivity was similar to liquid‐liquid operation while achieving more extensive removal of inhibitory compounds resulting in a slightly higher product titer (1.29 vs 1.16 g L−1). The operability of the reactor was improved by the phase stability of the solid polymer beads relative to immiscible organic solvents, preventing emulsion formation and facilitating analytics.

CONCLUSION: Solid polymer beads replaced the immiscible liquid auxiliary phase for substrate delivery while performing simultaneous inhibitory molecule sequestration. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Citric acid, biomass and cellular lipid production by Yarrowia lipolytica strains cultivated on olive mill wastewater‐based media
Authors: Sarris Dimitris , Galiotou‐Panayotou Maria , Koutinas Apostolis A. , Komaitis Michael , Papanikolaou Seraphim
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND: Olive mill wastewaters (OMWs) are an important residue and several physico‐chemical and/or biotechnological methods have been proposed for their treatment.

RESULTS: The ability of three Yarrowia lipolytica strains to grow on and convert glucose‐enriched OMWs into added‐value compounds in carbon‐ and nitrogen‐limited shake‐flask cultures was assessed. Remarkable decolorization (up to 63%) and non‐negligible removal of phenolic compounds (up to 34%, w/w) occurred. In nitrogen‐limited cultures, the accumulation of cellular lipids was favored by OMW addition into the medium. In contrast, although remarkable quantities of citric acid (Cit) were produced in control experiments (cultures without OMW addition), in which Cit up to 18.9 g L−1 was produced with yield of Cit synthesized per sugar consumed ∼0.73 g g−1), adaptation of cultures to media supplemented with OMWs reduced the final Cit quantity and conversion yield values achieved. In OMW‐based media, the highest concentration of citric acid produced was 18.1 g L−1, with conversion yield ∼0.51 g g−1. In carbon‐limited cultures, despite the presence of inhibitory compounds in the medium (e.g. phenols), biomass production was enhanced with the addition of OMWs. The highest biomass concentration achieved was 12.7 g L−1, with biomass conversion yield per sugar consumed ∼0.45 g g−1. Fatty acid analysis of cellular lipid produced demonstrated that adaptation of all strains in OMW‐based media favored the synthesis of cellular lipids that contained increased concentrations of cellular oleic acid.

CONCLUSIONS: The Y. lipolytica strains tested can be regarded as possible candidates for simultaneous OMWs remediation and production of added‐value compounds. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Molecular determinants of disease in coxsackievirus B1 murine infection
Authors: Cifuente Javier O. , Ferrer María F. , de Giusti Carolina Jaquenod , Song Wen‐Chao , Romanowski Víctor , Hafenstein Susan L. , Gómez Ricardo M.
Published: July 2011

To understand better how different genomic regions may confer pathogenicity for the coxsackievirus B (CVB), two intratypic CVB1 variants, and a number of recombinant viruses were studied. Sequencing analysis showed 23 nucleotide changes between the parental non‐pathogenic CVB1N and the pathogenic CVB1Nm. Mutations present in CVB1Nm were more conserved than those in CVB1N when compared to other CVB sequences. Inoculation in C3H/HeJ mice showed that the P1 region is critical for pathogenicity in murine pancreas and heart. The molecular determinants of disease for these organs partially overlap. Several P1 region amino acid differences appear to be located in the decay‐accelerating factor (DAF) footprint CVBs. CVB1N and CVB1Nm interacted with human CAR, but only CVB1N seemed to interact with human DAF, as determined using soluble receptors in a plaque‐reduction assay. However, the murine homolog Daf‐1 did not interact with any virus assessed by hemagglutination. The results of this study suggest that an unknown receptor interaction with the virus play an important role in the pathogenicity of CVB1Nm. Further in vivo studies may clarify this issue. J. Med. Virol. 83:1571–1581, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Case report: Detection of rotavirus RNA in the cerebrospinal fluid of a child with rotavirus gastroenteritis and meningism
Authors: Medici Maria Cristina , Abelli Laura Anna , Guerra Paola , Dodi Icilio , Dettori Giuseppe , Chezzi Carlo
Published: July 2011

Although case reports have described detection of rotavirus (RV) in extraintestinal sites such as the liver, kidney, and central nervous system (CNS) of children with RV gastroenteritis, CNS localization in RV infection seems to be rare. RT‐PCR and nucleotide sequencing detected a G1P[8] strain in the stool and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples of a patient with concurrent RV‐associated enteritis and CNS signs. Upon sequence analysis, the viruses detected in the CSF was identical to the virus detected in the stools. In the VP7‐ and VP4‐based phylogenetic dendograms the strain clustered within the G1‐Ic sub‐lineage and the P[8]‐III lineage. This study supports the hypothesis that RV infection was able to spread from the intestinal tract to the CNS, and likely played a role in the onset of neurological disease. J. Med. Virol. 83:1637–1640, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Innovation in Organization of Design Process in Pulp and Paper Industry Projects
Authors: Leppänen Pekka , Kraslawski Andrzej , Avramenko Yury
Published: July 2011

The need to increase innovativeness of design process in pulp and paper industry is obvious. One of the methods is a systematic reuse of design experience accumulated in engineering companies. This article introduces a new method, case‐based reasoning, which allows the designer to store, reuse and learn from the past experience. The various aspects of case‐based reasoning application to design process in the pulp and paper industry projects are presented. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the existence of positive periodic solutions of systems of second order differential equations
Authors: Li Xiong , Zhang Ziheng
Published: July 2011

In this paper, we establish several criteria for the existence, multiplicity, nonexistence of positive periodic solutions of the following system

by combining some new properties of Green's function together with Krasnosel'skĭ fixed point theorem on the compression and expression of cones. © 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim
Method of averaging for systems with main part vanishing at infinity
Authors: Nesterov Pavel
Published: July 2011

We study the possibility of using Krylov‐Bogolyubov averaging to find solutions of some class of differential equations that tend to constant vectors as t → ∞. We also construct the asymptotics of solutions of nonautonomous Van der Pol equation as t → ∞.
Health‐related quality‐of‐life scales in Parkinson's disease: Critique and recommendations
Authors: Martinez‐Martin Pablo , Jeukens‐Visser Martine , Lyons Kelly E. , Rodriguez‐Blazquez C. , Selai Caroline , Siderowf Andrew , Welsh Mickie , Poewe Werner , Rascol Oliver , Sampaio Cristina , Stebbins Glenn T. , Goetz Christopher G. , Schrag Anette
Published: July 2011

Health‐related quality of life is an important patient‐reported outcome used in intervention trials and for monitoring the consequences of health status on physical, mental, and social domains. Parkinson's disease is a complex disorder that strongly affects patients' quality of life. Several health‐related quality of life tools have been used in Parkinson's disease. A Movement Disorder Society Task Force was commissioned to rate the psychometric quality of available health‐related quality of life scales as applied to Parkinson's disease. Following the methodology adopted by previous work of the Movement Disorder Society Task Force, a review of generic and specific health‐related quality of life scales applied in studies on Parkinson's disease was completed. Considering the scales from 3 perspectives—use in Parkinson's disease, use by multiple research groups, and clinimetric properties—a final classification as “recommended,” “suggested,” or “listed” was applied to each reviewed instrument. Four generic scales (EuroQoL, Nottingham Health Profile, 36‐Item Short‐Form Health Survey, and Sickness Impact Profile) and 5 specific scales (39‐Item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire, Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire Short Form, Parkinson's Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire, Parkinson's Impact Scale, and Scales for Outcomes in Parkinson's Disease–Psychosocial) reached the level of “recommended.” The 39‐item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire is the most thoroughly tested and applied questionnaire. Three other generic measures (Quality of Life Questionnaire 15D, Schedule for the Evaluation of Individual Quality of Life‐Direct Weighting, and World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment Short Version) and the specific Parkinson's Disease Quality of Life Scale are “suggested.” With a little additional effort in completing the stipulated requirements, they could reach the “recommended” level. At present there is a wide variety of health‐related quality of life measures for application in the Parkinson's disease setting, and the task force does not recommend the development of a new scale. Selection of the most appropriate instrument for a particular objective requires consideration of the characteristics of each scale and the goals of the assessment. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Arm tremor in cervical dystonia—Is it a manifestation of dystonia or essential tremor?
Authors: Schiebler Sarah , Schmidt Alexander , Zittel Simone , Bäumer Tobias , Gerloff Christian , Klein Christine , Münchau Alexander
Published: July 2011

The classification of arm tremor in cervical dystonia is a controversial issue. There have been many, at times passionate disputes in the movement disorder community about whether it should be classified as a manifestation of dystonia or essential tremor associated with dystonia. There are arguments in favor of both views. Settling the issue might be relevant to the understanding of the etiological, presumably genetic, background because phenomenological grouping is the starting point for genetic analyses. From this point of view, we outline this tremor debate and add some new clinical data. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
The curious case of phenocopies in families with genetic Parkinson's disease
Authors: Klein Christine , Chuang Rosalind , Marras Connie , Lang Anthony E.
Published: July 2011

Monogenic forms of Parkinson's disease account for ∼3% of all “idiopathic” Parkinson's disease. With reduced penetrance in dominant forms and manifesting heterozygotes in recessive forms of Parkinson's disease, it has been well recognized that inheritance patterns do not always follow classic Mendelian genetics. A novel twist to the puzzle is the presence of phenocopies (i.e., family members with the same clinical syndrome as the mutation carriers, but lacking the familial mutation). We reviewed all pedigrees published between 1997 and 2009 with α‐synuclein, leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2, Parkin, or PTEN‐induced kinase 1 mutations with at least 2 affected individuals and known genetic status for the possible presence of phenocopies. Of 537 patients with clinical Parkinson's disease in 160 families meeting our inclusion criteria, 27 patients (5.0%) from 23 families (14.4%) were phenocopies. Phenocopies represented 3.8% of all blood relatives reported in the pedigrees containing phenocopies and an estimated 1.3% of all blood relatives in all pedigrees included. Both of these rates exceeded age‐specific prevalences of Parkinson's disease. In 4 families, the phenocopy was explained by another known mutation: In 2 pedigrees, a monogenic cause was likely; in another 2, secondary parkinsonism was suspected; and in the remaining 15 families, “sporadic Parkinson's disease” was suggested as the cause of disease in the phenocopy. The unexpectedly high number of phenocopies of mostly unknown origin within families with a seemingly known etiology of Parkinson's disease adds another level of complexity to genetic research of Parkinson's disease, as well as to the interpretation of genetic testing results in the clinical diagnostic setting. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Mesoscale observations of an extended heat burst and associated wind storm in Central Oklahoma
Authors: Basara Jeffrey B. , Rowell Mason D.
Published: July 2011

On 13 May 2009, 13 surface‐based observing stations within central and western Oklahoma recorded maximum wind speeds in excess of 22.5 m s−1, along with gusts exceeding 28 m s−1 in isolated locations, during a localized wind storm that lasted in excess for over an hour. These wind speeds were associated with an enhanced mesoscale pressure gradient that developed during the late evening of 12 May 2009 and early morning hours of 13 May 2009, which then slowly propagated from west to east. Ultimately, the event produced localized wind damage in northern portions of Oklahoma City. Analysis of the synoptic and mesoscale conditions present at each stage of the event revealed that specific parameters associated with heat bursts occurred during the event, but with the inclusion of varying mesoscale and microscale influences. As such, a close examination of the mesoscale pressure field indicated that a dynamically variable mesoscale convective system (MCS) produced a mesohigh/mesolow couplet that ultimately created the strong pressure gradient. The result was a prolonged period (in excess of 1 h) of enhanced wind speed values across a swath approximately 300 km in length and 50 km in width that were not directly associated with the anomalously warmer and drier conditions that occurred due to the heat burst. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Towards optimized MR thermometry of the human heart at 3T
Authors: Hey S. , Cernicanu A. , de Senneville B. D. , Roujol S. , Ries M. , Jaïs P. , Moonen C. T. W. , Quesson B.
Published: July 2011

Catheter ablation using radio frequency (RF) has been used increasingly for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and may be combined with proton resonance frequency shift (PRFS) ‒based MR thermometry to determine the therapy endpoint. We evaluated the suitability of two different MR thermometry sequences (TFE and TFE‐EPI) and three blood suppression techniques.

Experiments were performed without heating, using an optimized imaging protocol including navigator respiratory compensation, cardiac triggering, and image processing for the compensation of motion and susceptibility artefacts. Blood suppression performance and its effect on temperature stability were evaluated in the ventricular septum of eight healthy volunteers using multislice double inversion recovery (MDIR), motion sensitized driven equilibrium (MSDE), and inflow saturation by saturation slabs (IS). It was shown that blood suppression during MR thermometry improves the contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR), the robustness of the applied motion correction algorithm as well as the temperature stability. A gradient echo sequence accelerated by an EPI readout and parallel imaging (SENSE) and using inflow saturation blood suppression was shown to achieve the best results. Temperature stabilities of 2 °C or better in the ventricular septum with a spatial resolution of 3.5 × 3.5 × 8mm3 and a temporal resolution corresponding to the heart rate of the volunteer, were observed.

Our results indicate that blood suppression improves the temperature stability when performing cardiac MR thermometry. The proposed MR thermometry protocol, which optimizes temperature stability in the ventricular septum, represents a step towards PRFS‐based MR thermometry of the heart at 3 T. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Understanding the association between depressive personality and hypersensitive (vulnerable) narcissism: Some preliminary findings
Authors: Huprich Steven , Luchner Andrew , Roberts Christopher , Pouliot Gregory
Published: July 2011

Depressive personality disorder (DPD) has been under consideration for inclusion in the DSM for over 15 years. Support for its validity and utility is mixed, and it has received little attention for its structure and associated intra‐ and interpersonal dynamics. Interestingly, DPD is quite similar to the construct of hypersensitive, or vulnerable, narcissism (HN). Both phenomena involve tendencies towards depression, guilt and anxiety; a sense of self that is inadequate; poorly developed self‐esteem; and tendencies towards masochistic suffering. In this study, measures of these constructs (the Depressive Personality Disorder Inventory [DPDI] and the Hypersensitive Narcissism Scale [HSNS]) were found to be significantly correlated in both clinical (r = 0.56,n = 238) and nonclinical (r = 0.55,n = 346) samples. Both measures were similarly correlated with a measure of interpersonal (object) relations. A confirmatory factor analysis failed to support a one‐ or two‐factor solution. Subsequent exploratory factor analysis found that one large factor accounted for 29.47% of the variance and consisted of items related to hypersensitive self‐focus. A parallel analysis suggested that six factors could be interpreted, with HSNS items loading onto the first and sixth factors and DPDI items loading onto the other factors. It is concluded that DPD and HN are closely related constructs, but that future research focusing on what accounts for the shared and nonshared variance of the two constructs is necessary. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Designed protein mimics of the Ebola virus glycoprotein GP2 α‐helical bundle: Stability and pH effects
Authors: Harrison Joseph S. , Higgins Chelsea D. , Chandran Kartik , Lai Jonathan R.
Published: July 2011

Ebola virus (EboV) belongs to the Filoviridae family of viruses that causes severe and fatal hemhorragic fever. Infection by EboV involves fusion between the virus and host cell membranes mediated by the envelope glycoprotein GP2 of the virus. Similar to the envelope glycoproteins of other viruses, the central feature of the GP2 ectodomain postfusion structure is a six‐helix bundle formed by the protein's N‐ and C‐heptad repeat regions (NHR and CHR, respectively). Folding of this six‐helix bundle provides the energetic driving force for membrane fusion; in other viruses, designed agents that disrupt formation of the six‐helix bundle act as potent fusion inhibitors. To interrogate determinants of EboV GP2‐mediated membrane fusion, we designed model proteins that consist of the NHR and CHR segments linked by short protein linkers. Circular dichroism and gel filtration studies indicate that these proteins adopt stable α‐helical folds consistent with design. Thermal denaturation indicated that the GP2 six‐helix bundle is highly stable at pH 5.3 (melting temperature, Tm, of 86.8 ± 2.0°C and van't Hoff enthalpy, ΔHvH, of −28.2 ± 1.0 kcal/mol) and comparable in stability to other viral membrane fusion six‐helix bundles. We found that the stability of our designed α‐helical bundle proteins was dependent on buffering conditions with increasing stability at lower pH. Small pH differences (5.3–6.1) had dramatic effects (ΔTm = 37°C) suggesting a mechanism for conformational control that is dependent on environmental pH. These results suggest a role for low pH in stabilizing six‐helix bundle formation during the process of GP2‐mediated viral membrane fusion.
Profiling gastrin‐releasing peptide receptor in prostate tissues: Clinical implications and molecular correlates
Authors: Beer Marc , Montani Matteo , Gerhardt Josefine , Wild Peter J. , Hany Thomas F. , Hermanns Thomas , Müntener Michael , Kristiansen Glen
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND

The gastrin‐releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) has emerged as an attractive target for both therapeutic and diagnostic appliances, but has only insufficiently been characterized in the human prostate so far. The aim of this study is to profile GRPR in a large cohort and correlate it with clinicopathologic and molecular parameters.

METHODS

Benign and malignant (primary carcinoma, metastases, and castration‐resistant prostate cancer) prostate samples from 530 patients were analyzed immunohistochemically for GRPR, androgen receptor and Cyclin D1 expression. Staining intensity was assessed assigning a semiquantitative score to each sample.

RESULTS

Normal prostate tissues were mostly GRPR negative, significantly higher expression rates were seen in primary carcinomas and metastases. Significant inverse correlations were found for GRPR and increasing Gleason score, PSA value, and tumor size. A stratified Kaplan–Meyer analysis for GRPR and high AR expression shows a significant prognostic advantage for high GRPR expression, whereas GRPR expression alone shows no independent prognostic value. Highly significant correlations for GRPR, AR, and Cyclin D1 were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data show that GRPR is overexpressed in prostate cancer, particularly of lower grade and smaller size. These findings constitute a caveat for the use of GRPR as a target for diagnostic or therapeutic approaches to high grade or progressed prostate cancer. Prostate 72:318–325, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Calculating the explosion energy of a boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion using exergy analysis
Authors: Ogle Russell A. , Ramirez Juan C. , Smyth Suzanne A.
Published: July 2011

Following the work of Crowl on calculating the energy of explosions using exergy (thermodynamic availability), we examine the explosion energy of boiling liquid expanding vapor explosions (BLEVEs). A number of investigators have proposed schemes for calculating the maximum work that a BLEVE can perform on its surroundings. Their proposed evaluation schemes yield varying results because they depend significantly on the precise specification of the thermodynamic path taken by the vaporizing, expanding mass. We demonstrate how to evaluate the maximum theoretical work associated with a BLEVE as a function of the fluid's thermodynamic properties and its equation of state. Finally, we give numerical examples to compare the availability of a BLEVE with some of the proposed schemes suggested by others. The advantage of using exergy analysis to evaluate the maximum work of a BLEVE is based on the rigorous and unambiguous definition for exergy. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2012
Electrocatalytic properties of hybrid palladium–gold/multi‐walled carbon nanotube materials in fuel cell applications
Authors: Chiou Yuh‐Jing , Chen Kuan‐Yuan , Lin Hong‐Ming , Liou Wei‐Jen , Liou Huey‐Wen , Wu She‐Huang , Mikolajczuk Anna , Mazurkiewicz Marta , Malolepszy Artur , Stobinski Leszek , Borodzinski Andrzej , Kedzierzawski Piotr , Kurzydlowski Krzysztof , Chien Shu‐Hua , Chen Wen‐Chang
Published: July 2011

Multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) supported Pd–Au nanoparticles for electrooxidation of formic acid (FA) are prepared and compared with Pd/MWCNTs in this study. The nanocatalysts are prepared by a polyol method, and characterized using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry (TGA), SEM, and field emission transmission electron microscope (FE‐TEM). Cyclic voltammetry (CV) is used to examine the catalytic activity towards FA electrooxidation. Controlling the contents of the precursors (PdCl2 and HAuCl4·4H2O), the different weight ratios of Pd–Au can be synthesized to form the various solid solution structures of Pd–Au. TEM image results indicate the average diameter of Pd–Au solid solution particles is about 10–30 nm. The results of electrochemical analysis show that the Au (10 wt.%)/[Pd/MWCNTs (1:9)](90 wt.%) hybrid catalysts exhibit the highest catalytic activity and better stability than that of Pd/MWCNTs in FA electrooxidation. The promoting of Pd‐based catalyst with Au to form solid solution improves the performance of the catalyst in FA electrooxidation. The newly synthesized electrocatalyst is promising for application in direct formic acid fuel cell (DFAFC).
Experimental study of iron redistribution between bulk defects and boron doped layer in silicon wafers
Authors: Talvitie Heli , Yli‐Koski Marko , Haarahiltunen Antti , Vähänissi Ville , Asghar Muhammad Imran , Savin Hele
Published: July 2011

We have studied iron distribution between a boron‐implanted (p+) layer and bulk defects in single crystalline silicon wafers after various gettering anneals. Our results show that iron accumulation into the p+ layer was pronounced after each anneal. However, we were able to decrease the strong accumulation by combining a specific low‐high anneal with high bulk defect density. We determined the dominant mechanism behind the accumulation of iron into the p+ layer, which turned out to be precipitation instead of segregation. The results can be helpful when choosing the internal gettering steps for both microelectronic (IC) and multicrystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) processes.
Imaging the photovoltaic response of PbS‐sensitized porous titania
Authors: Turyanska L. , Makarovsky O. , Elfurawi U. , Patanè A. , Fay M. W. , Bowers J. W. , Upadhyaya H. M.
Published: July 2011

We report the photovoltaic response of solid‐state devices based on porous TiO2 photosensitized with PbS nanocrystals. A photovoltaic response in the visible and near infrared wavelength range is obtained by exploiting the Schottky junction that forms at the interface between the PbS/TiO2 film and a metallic contact. Spatial images of the photoluminescence and of the short circuit photocurrent signal reveal a non‐homogeneous response, which we explain in terms of the electron transfer dynamics at the PbS/TiO2 interface and the morphological properties of TiO2.
Exploring optimal UV emission windows for AlGaN and AlInN alloys grown on different templates
Authors: Fu D. , Zhang R. , Liu B. , Xie Z. L. , Xiu X. Q. , Lu H. , Zheng Y. D. , Edwards G.
Published: July 2011

The interband excitonic transition energies and their corresponding polarization properties of AlGaN and AlInN alloys pseudomorphically grown on c‐plane GaN and AlN templates, have been systematically investigated under the framework of k · p perturbation theory. It is found that by changing alloy composition which is accompanied with misfit strain modulation, the valence band structure of both AlGaN and AlInN can be switched from AlN‐like to GaN‐like, thus leading to enhancement of the surface ultraviolet emission efficiency. Optimal alloy composition windows for efficient ultraviolet emissions have been established where AlGaN and AlInN alloys grown on AlN template show wider optimal windows than that grown on GaN template.
Significantly different contamination of atomically clean Si(001) when investigated by XPS and AES
Authors: Gheorghe Nicoleta G. , Lungu George A. , Costescu Ruxandra M. , Teodorescu Cristian M.
Published: July 2011

Clean Si(001) single crystal surfaces provided different surface reconstructions: p(1 × 2) and c(n × 2) (n = 4, 6) at room temperature. The in situ oxidation of these surfaces was followed by Auger electron spectroscopy and by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It is found that, in similar ultrahigh vacuum conditions, much faster contamination (about 500 times) occurs when the samples are investigated by AES than by XPS, owing to the interaction of the electron beam with the sample surface. With the sample subject to the AES investigation, the contamination occurs by forming >Si2CO complexes based on the Si dimers. During XPS, reaction with water molecules from the residual gas should also be taken into account.
A comparison of the performance of Kalpana and Meteosat‐7 WV radiances in the ECMWF NWP model
Authors: Singh Randhir , Kelly Graeme , Brugge Roger , O'Neill Alan
Published: July 2011

The Kalpana Very High Resolution Radiometer (VHRR) water vapour (WV) channel is very similar to the WV channel of the Meteosat Visible and Infrared Radiation Imager (MVIRI) on Meteosat‐7, and both satellites observe the Indian subcontinent. Thus it is possible to compare the performance of VHRR and MVIRI in numerical weather prediction (NWP) models. In order to do so, the impact of Kalpana‐ and Meteosat‐7‐measured WV radiances was evaluated using analyses and forecasts of moisture, temperature, geopotential and winds, using the European Centre for Medium‐range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) NWP model. Compared with experiments using Meteosat‐7, the experiments using Kalpana WV radiances show a similar fit to all observations and produce very similar forecasts. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society and British Crown Copyright, the Met Office
Significant bias of the NCEP/NCAR and twentieth‐century reanalyses relative to pilot balloon observations over the West African Monsoon region (1940–1957)
Authors: Stickler A. , Brönnimann S.
Published: July 2011

The strong interannual‐to‐decadal variability of the West African Monsoon is subject to an active field of climate research that tries to disentangle its influencing factors and explore its predictability. Reliable observation‐based data over a preferably long period are arguably the most important basis for such efforts. Here, we try to explore the quality of several data products available for the earlier period of upper‐air observations (1940–1957): the Comprehensive Historical Upper‐Air Network (CHUAN), the NCEP/NCAR Reanalysis (NNR), and the Twentieth Century Reanalysis (20CR). To do so, we compare wind soundings from 37 pilot balloon stations contained in CHUAN (10°S–30°N, 20°W–20°E) with the reanalyses.

The comparison with the NNR reveals seasonally and diurnally varying significant differences relative to the observations over West and Central Africa. The differences reach absolute values of several metres per second, and their spatially coherent structure strongly points to a deficiency of the reanalysis rather than observational errors. The difference fields indicate an overestimation of the strength and thickness of the low‐level monsoon in all seasons and an underestimation of the Harmattan winds over the Sahel in winter. At higher levels, they point to an overestimation of the mid‐tropospheric monsoon return flow and African easterly jet.

For the 20CR, the fields reveal again significant differences up to several metres per second on all levels and in all seasons. However, the direction relative to the observed monsoon flow and Harmattan/trades is opposite at the low levels. Additionally, the differences tend to be smaller and more confined to the coastal region.

Further analysis demonstrates that the observed interannual variability is only insufficiently modelled in both reanalyses. Together with the diurnal cycle of the differences, this precludes a simple correction of the reanalyses and demonstrates that, depending on the purpose of a study, one should be extremely cautious when using reanalysis products. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Metabolite characterization of a novel anti‐cancer agent, icotinib, in humans through liquid chromatography/quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Liu Dongyang , Jiang Ji , Zhang Li , Tan Fenlai , Wang Yingxiang , Hu Pei
Published: July 2011

Icotinib is a novel anti‐cancer drug that has shown promising clinical efficacy and safety in patients with non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). At this time, the metabolic fate of icotinib in humans is unknown. In the present study, a liquid chromatography/quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry (LC/Q‐TOF MS) method was established to characterize metabolites of icotinib in human plasma, urine and feces. In addition, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) detection was utilized to determine the connection between side‐chain and quinazoline groups for some complex metabolites. In total, 29 human metabolites (21 isomer metabolites) were characterized, of which 23 metabolites are novel compared to the metabolites in rats. This metabolic study revealed that icotinib was extensively metabolized at the 12‐crown‐4 ether moiety (ring‐opening and further oxidation), carbon 15 (hydroxylation) and an acetylene moiety (oxidation) to yield 19 oxidized metabolites and to further form 10 conjugates with sulfate acid or glucuronic acid. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the human metabolic profile of icotinib. Study results indicated that significant attention should be paid to the metabolic profiles of NSCLC patients during the development of icotinib. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct identification of bacteria in blood culture by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry: a new methodological approach
Authors: Kroumova Vesselina , Gobbato Elisa , Basso Elisa , Mucedola Luca , Giani Tommaso , Fortina Giacomo
Published: July 2011

Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) has recently been demonstrated to be a powerful tool for the rapid identification of bacteria from growing colonies. In order to speed up the identification of bacteria, several authors have evaluated the usefulness of this MALDI‐TOF MS technology for the direct and quick identification bacteria from positive blood cultures. The results obtained so far have been encouraging but have also shown some limitations, mainly related to the bacterial growth and to the presence of interference substances belonging to the blood cultures. In this paper, we present a new methodological approach that we have developed to overcome these limitations, based mainly on an enrichment of the sample into a growing medium before the extraction process, prior to mass spectrometric analysis. The proposed method shows important advantages for the identification of bacterial strains, yielding an increased identification score, which gives higher confidence in the results. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Control design and implementation of a novel master–slave surgery robot system, MicroHand A
Authors: Sang Hongqiang , Wang Shuxin , Li Jianmin , He Chao , Zhang Lin'an , Wang Xiaofei
Published: July 2011

Background

Compared with conventional minimally invasive surgery and open surgery, robotic‐assisted minimally invasive surgery can overcome or eliminate drawbacks caused by operator restrictions, motion limitation by the trocar and the image system, such as fatigue, trembling, low precision, constrained degree‐of‐freedom, poor hand–eye coordination and restricted surgical vision. In this paper, a novel partly tendon‐driven master–slave robot system is proposed to assist minimally invasive surgery and a master–slave control architecture is developed for abdominal surgical operations.

Methods

A novel master–slave surgery robot system named MicroHand A has been developed. A kinematic analysis of master and slave manipulators was conducted, based on screw theory and vector loop equation. The relationships of the tendon‐driven multi‐DOF surgical instrument among Cartesian space, actuator space and joint space were derived for control purposes. The control system architecture of the MicroHand A was designed with intuitive motion control and motion scaling control. Llewellyn's absolute stability criterion and the transparency of the one‐DOF master–slave system are also analysed.

Results

Intuitive motion control under dissimilar kinematics in master–slave manipulations and motion scaling control were accomplished to solve absonant hand–eye coordination, kinematic dissimilarity and workspace mismatch of master–slave manipulator problems. A series of tests and animal experiments were carried out to evaluate system performance. The experimental results demonstrate that the system could accomplish intuitive motion control and motion scaling control, and that the control system is stable and reliable.

Conclusions

The experiments performed on the MicroHand A robotic system yielded expected control results. The system satisfies the requirements of minimally invasive surgery. Intuitive motion control and motion scaling control under different kinematics for the master and slave have been implemented. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.