bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Even‐order passive filters: Pascal versus Chebyshev
Authors: Dimopoulos Hercules G.
Published: February 2012

The recently reported Pascal approximation with non‐equiripple magnitude response leads to transfer functions of order equal or comparable to that of the Chebyshev approximation, offering an alternative to the equiripple Chebyshev approximation. Both approximations can be used in passive filter design and have similar design limitations when the order turns out to be even. In this paper, these design issues are thoroughly addressed, and the exact conditions are set under which even‐order passive Chebyshev and Pascal filters cannot be directly synthesised and either the order has to be increased to the next odd integer value or the modified filter must be designed. Pascal approximation is used for the first time for the design of doubly resistively terminated passive LC filters, and it is shown that the even‐order design issue is much less restricting making Pascal superior to Chebyshev filters in that even‐order filters can be directly designed to meet specifications that cannot be met by Chebyshev filters of the same even order. The theoretical results are confirmed through several design examples. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Personally customizable content authoring service for Internet Protocol television subscribers
Authors: Kim Nac‐Woo , Lee Byung‐Tak , Kim Young‐Sun
Published: February 2012

In this paper, we propose a personally customizable content authoring service (C2Channel) using an Internet Protocol television (IPTV) platform, in which a user terminal such as a PC or set‐top box sends various kinds of multimedia files from a camera or camcorder to a remotely located authoring server (C2Channel server). The C2Channel server creates personalized content in real time by combining special effects with the multimedia files transmitted from the user terminal and then retransmits them to a predefined relevant service group as a personal IPTV channel through an IPTV network provider. This content authoring service supplies an automatic multimedia editing/composition service and offers unicast, multicast, and groupcast services for a large number of interested groups via an IPTV‐based real‐time media delivery platform (Open Live IPTV Engine [OLIVE]), in which a service management server is used for user identification through the IPTV personal channel. Because this platform uses a remote server resource when authoring personally customizable content, resources remaining at the user's terminal can be variously utilized. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation on the evolutionary algorithms with their applications in MIMO detecting systems
Authors: Hei Yong‐Qiang , Li Xiao-Hui , Li Wen‐Tao
Published: February 2012

In this paper, with the purpose of integrating the advantages of both the genetic algorithm and the particle swarm optimization, a new genetic particle swarm optimization (GPSO) algorithm is proposed. Furthermore, these three evolutionary algorithms are successfully applied to address the MIMO detection problem. Simulation results reveal that the GPSO‐based detection algorithm takes much less population size and iteration number when compared with the particle swarm optimization‐based detection method and the genetic algorithm‐based detection method. Besides, when compared with the optimal maximum likelihood detection method, the GPSO‐based detection algorithm can strike a much better balance between the BER performance and the computational complexity. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gamma random waypoint mobility model for wireless ad hoc networks
Authors: Sabah Nasser , Hocanin Aykut
Published: February 2012

Random waypoint (RWP) mobility model is widely used in ad hoc network simulation. The model suffers from speed decay as the simulation progresses and may not reach the steady state in terms of instantaneous average node speed. Furthermore, the convergence of the average speed to its steady state value is delayed. This usually leads to inaccurate results in protocol validation of mobile ad hoc networks modeling. Moreover, the probability distributions of speed vary over the simulation time, such that the node speed distribution at the initial state is different from the corresponding distribution at the end of the simulation. In order to overcome these problems, this paper proposes a modified RWP mobility model with a more precise distribution of the nodes' speed. In the modified model, the speeds of nodes are sampled from gamma distribution. The results obtained from both analysis and simulation experiments of the average speed and the density of nodes' speed indicate that the proposed gamma random waypoint mobility model outperforms the existing RWP mobility models. It is shown that a significant performance improvement in achieving higher steady state speed values that closely model the pre‐assumed average speeds are possible with the proposed model. Additionally, the model allows faster convergence to the steady state, and probability distribution of speed is steady over the simulation time. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhanced switch combining for spatial diversity with a switch window over correlated Nakagami‐m fading channels
Authors: Chau Yawgeng A. , Chen Yao‐Hua
Published: February 2012

On the basis of a mixture of the selection combining and switch‐and‐stay combining schemes, the enhanced switch combining (ESC) scheme is proposed for antenna diversity over multiple correlated Nakagami‐m fading channels, where a switch window with upper and lower switch thresholds are used. Compared with the existing select‐and‐stay combining or switch with post‐examining, the ESC scheme reduces simultaneous multiantenna observations and hence saves processing time and energy from multibranch observations, while achieving matched receiver performance. Thus, ESC also has better performance than switch‐and‐examine combining (SEC). To assess the reduction of simultaneous observations, a dual‐observation rate is defined. Moreover, the ESC unifies some well‐known switch‐based combining schemes (for example selection combining, switch‐and‐stay combining, or SEC) in the sense that, by adjusting switch thresholds, these combining schemes become different special cases of ESC. The CDF, PDF, and moment generating function of the combined signal‐to‐noise ratio for ESC are derived for general fading channels. Then, the outage probability and the average BER of different binary modulations over correlated Nakagami‐m fading channels are evaluated. Numerical results from analysis and simulation are presented to demonstrate ESC performance. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metabolic activation of diesel exhaust carcinogens in primary and immortalized human TP53 knock‐in (Hupki) mouse embryo fibroblasts
Authors: Kucab Jill E. , Phillips David H. , Arlt Volker M.
Published: February 2012

Approximately 50% of human tumors have a mutation in TP53. The pattern and spectra of TP53 mutations often differ between cancer types, perhaps due to different etiological factors. The Hupki (human TP53 knock‐in) mouse embryo fibroblast (HUF) immortalization assay is useful for studying mutagenesis in the human TP53 gene by environmental carcinogens. Prior to initiating an immortalization assay, carcinogen treatment conditions must be optimized, which can require a large number of cells. As primary HUF cultures senesce within 2 weeks, restricting their use, we investigated whether immortalized HUFs retaining wild‐type TP53 can be surrogates for primary HUFs in initial treatment optimization. DNA damage by eight compounds found in diesel exhaust, benzo[a]pyrene, 3‐nitrobenzanthrone, 1‐nitropyrene, 1,3‐dinitropyrene, 1,6‐dinitropyrene, 1,8‐dinitropyrene, 6‐nitrochrysene, and 3‐nitrofluorene, was assessed by 32P‐postlabeling and the alkaline comet assay in primary HUFs and in an immortal HUF cell line J201. For most compounds, higher levels of DNA adducts accumulated in J201 cells than in primary HUFs. This difference was not reflected in the comet assay or by cell viability changes. Experiments in three additional immortal HUF cell lines (AAI49, U56, and E2‐143) confirmed strong differences in DNA adduct levels compared with primary HUFs. However, these did not correlate with the protein expression of Nqo1 or Nat1/2, or with gene expression of Cyp1a1 or Cyp1b1. Our results show that using immortal HUFs as surrogates for primary HUFs in genotoxicity screening has limitations and that DNA adduct formation is the best measure of genotoxicity of the nitro‐polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons tested in HUFs. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cell type‐dependent gene transcription profile in a three‐dimensional human skin tissue model exposed to low doses of ionizing radiation: Implications for medical exposures
Authors: von Neubeck Claere , Shankaran Harish , Karin Norman J. , Kauer Paula M. , Chrisler William B. , Wang Xihai , Robinson R. Joe , Waters Katrina M. , Tilton Susan C. , Sowa Marianne B.
Published: February 2012

The concern over possible health risks from exposures to low doses of ionizing radiation has been driven largely by the increase in medical exposures, the routine implementation of X‐ray backscatter devices for airport security screening, and, most recently, the nuclear incident in Japan. Because of a paucity of direct epidemiological data at very low doses, cancer risk must be estimated from high dose exposure scenarios. However, there is increasing evidence that low and high dose exposures result in different signaling events and may have different response mechanisms than higher doses. We have examined the radiation‐induced temporal response after exposure to 10 cGy of an in vitro three dimensional (3D) human skin tissue model using microarray‐based transcriptional profiling. Cell type‐specific analysis showed significant changes in gene expression with the levels of >1,400 genes altered in the dermis and >400 genes regulated in the epidermis. The two cell layers rarely exhibited overlapping responses at the mRNA level. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) measurements validated the microarray data in both regulation direction and value. Key pathways identified relate to cell cycle regulation, immune responses, hypoxia, reactive oxygen signaling, and DNA damage repair. The proliferation status as well as the expression of PCNA was examined in histological samples. We discuss in particular the role of proliferation, emphasizing how the disregulation of cellular signaling in normal tissue may impact progression toward radiation‐induced secondary diseases. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Experimental investigation of spatially varying effect of ground motions on bridge pounding
Authors: Li Bo , Bi Kaiming , Chouw Nawawi , Butterworth John W. , Hao Hong
Published: February 2012

Pounding between adjacent bridge structures with insufficient separation distance has been identified as one of the primary causes of damage in many major earthquakes. It takes place because the closing relative movement is larger than the structural gap provided between the structures. This relative structural response is controlled not only by the dynamic properties of the participating structures but also by the characteristics of the ground excitations. The consequence of the spatial variation of ground motions has been studied by researchers; however, most of these studies were performed numerically. The objective of the present research is to experimentally evaluate the influence of spatial variation of ground motions on the pounding behaviour of three adjacent bridge segments. The investigation is performed using three shake tables. The input spatially varying ground excitations are simulated based on the New Zealand design spectra for soft soil, shallow soil and strong rock using an empirical coherency loss function. Results confirm that the spatially nonniform ground motions increase the relative displacement of adjacent bridge girders and pounding forces. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Understanding the Association of Impulsivity, Obsessions, and Compulsions with Binge Eating and Purging Behaviours in Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Hoffman Elizabeth R. , Gagne Danielle A. , Thornton Laura M. , Klump Kelly L. , Brandt Harry , Crawford Steve , Fichter Manfred M. , Halmi Katherine A. , Johnson Craig , Jones Ian , Kaplan Allan S. , Mitchell James E. , Strober Michael , Treasure Janet , Woodside D. Blake , Berrettini Wade H. , Kaye Walter H. , Bulik Cynthia M.
Published: February 2012

Objective

To further refine our understanding of impulsivity, obsessions, and compulsions in anorexia nervosa (AN) by isolating which behaviours—binge eating, purging, or both—are associated with these features.

Methods

We conducted regression analyses with binge eating, purging, and the interaction of binge eating with purging as individual predictors of scores for impulsivity, obsessions, and compulsions in two samples of women with AN (n = 1373).

Results

Purging, but not binge eating, was associated with higher scores on impulsivity, obsessions, and compulsions. Purging was also associated with worst eating rituals and with worst eating preoccupations.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that purging, compared with binge eating, may be a stronger correlate of impulsivity, obsessions, and compulsions in AN. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Optimization of pineapple flavour synthesis by esterification catalysed by immobilized lipase from Rhizomucor miehei
Authors: Lorenzoni André S. G. , Graebin Natália G. , Martins Andréa B. , Fernandez‐Lafuente Roberto , Záchia Ayub Marco A. , Rodrigues Rafael C.
Published: February 2012

The synthesis of pineapple flavour (butyl butyrate) catalysed by lipase from Rhizomucor miehei has been optimized using central composite design and response surface methodology. Initially, the best butyric acid concentration in the mixture was defined and found that 1  m butyric acid presented the highest initial reaction rate. The reaction parameters substrate molar ratio, enzyme content, and initial added water were evaluated in the central composite design with the reaction conversion yield as the dependent variable. The optimal conditions for butyl butyrate synthesis were found to be substrate molar ratio of 3.6:1 butanol:butyric acid; enzyme content of 6.5% of substrate mass fraction; added water 0.0% of substrate mass fraction. Under these conditions, over 90% of conversion was obtained in 16 h of reaction. Enzyme reuse was tested performing a treatment before each batch by washing the enzyme system with n‐hexane, or simply reusing the biocatalyst in a new fresh reaction. Direct enzyme reuse caused a rapid decrease on the enzyme activity, while washings with n‐hexane allowed the enzyme to be reused for six cycles keeping around 75% of its original activity. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Large scale rainfall simulation to investigate infiltration processes in a small landslide under dry initial conditions: the Draix hillslope experiment
Authors: Garel E. , Marc V. , Ruy S. , Cognard‐Plancq A.‐L. , Klotz S. , Emblanch C. , Simler R.
Published: February 2012

Few studies exist on infiltration processes in badlands, although infiltration and subsurface lateral flows are known to contribute to soil erosion and to control slope instability. Our investigation was carried out in a 100‐m² plot located in a 0.5‐ha landslide in black marls (south‐east France). An artificial sprinkling was performed with an intensity of 10 mm h−1 during 66.4 h interrupted with 8.4 h breaks. KBr and KCl were used as tracers.

A pseudo‐steady state was reached after 25–35 h and 250–350 mm of rainfall. The runoff coefficient was 40% (ratio total runoff volume/total sprinkling water amount). Pre‐event water (PE) contributed to the groundwater recharge at the very beginning of the experiment, but PE contribution dropped steadily while the soil was saturating. After around 200 mm of cumulative rainfall, PE contribution started to rise steeply before reaching a nearly constant value. This original mechanism implies an efficient transfer process of PE. It was assumed from the description of the material structure and from hydrological evidences that PE was mainly drained from a structure porosity made of marl's flaked nature. Total PE contributions ranged from 25% to 79% (PE contribution was over 50% in 2/3 of the observation wells). Over the recession phase, release of PE occurred from the drainage of texture porosity. The study showed that at the plot scale, infiltration processes proved to be well organized despite the high heterogeneity and anisotropy of the material. It was possible to propose a general conceptual model explaining the hydrological processes over time and area. The peculiar structure of regolith originating from black marl is preserved over a large part of the weathering time so that the material structure (type, orientation of grains, small/large pores) remains a first‐order control of water flow generation in black marl soils. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Black Writer and His Role
Authors: Gerald Carolyn F.
Published: February 2012

Carolyn Gerald ascribes a role for Black writers that we as counseling psychologists feel is fitting for the Black counselor or educator. With great perceptiveness, she establishes a cause and effect relationship between image and self‐concept. This article will convince readers that it is impossible to be Black in a world of white‐controlled imagery without having a zero self‐image. Black youth are bombarded with racial and cultural images that usually exalt whiteness and demean Blackness, and it is difficult, if not impossible, for them without wise guidance to exhibit behavior in accord with the beauty of Blackness. Black counselors, teachers, psychologists, and parents must help Black youth and each other to sort through or scrutinize more carefully the images projected on their sensory mechanisms and help effect the positive self‐images essential for positive Black behavior.
Beyond Rhetoric: Techniques for Using the Black Aesthetic in Group Counseling and Guidance
Authors: Toldson Ivory L. , Pasteur Alfred B.
Published: February 2012

This article presents a small sample of the kinds of things that can be done in group work with Blacks seeking to advance our fight for freedom and dignity. We have used these techniques in a variety of settings, and we go beyond rhetorical assertiveness in saying that, “It does indeed work.” Black children, adolescents, and adults all benefit greatly from guidance stemming from a philosophical orientation anchored in an African way of life. These techniques are a practical extension of the prophetic wisdom of the Black artist, coupled with the expressive styles of Black people. Just as we searched and found a philosophical base in the cultural artifacts of Black life, we have, too, searched and found cathartic, curative, and educational aids in music, drama, poetry, folklore, expressive movement, and graphic expression, making our methods consistent with the creative Black spirit. The techniques that follow are not meant to be complete in any sense, but, rather, are offered to stimulate readers to unleash their creative potential as they seek to assist Blacks with their problems to enable them to persist in struggle.
TEACHER CORPS INTERNS IN DISADVANTAGED SCHOOLS AND REGULAR TEACHER TRAINEES: A PERSONALITY COMPARISON
Authors: Wittmer Joe , Henry Marvin
Published: February 2012

The 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire was administered to 52 Teacher Corps members, interning in disadvantaged schools, and 52 student teachers who were teaching in other than inner‐city disadvantaged schools. Of 16 factors, 5 found to be significantly different (p>.05) between the two groups were: Factor E (Humble versus Assertive), Factor G (Expedient versus Conscientious), Factor H (Shy versus Venturesome), Factor I (Tough minded versus Tender minded), and Factor Q4 (Relaxed versus Tense).
EFFECTIVENESS OF COUNSELOR TEACHING TECHNIQUES IN THE APPLICATION OF A FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE OF LEARNING
Authors: Costantino Nicholas V. , Asbury Frank R.
Published: February 2012

The study tested the hypothesis that group‐centered teaching under the guidance of a counselor‐teacher (experimental group) was equally effective as “teacher‐centered” teaching under the direction of a noncounselor teacher (control group) in the application of a fundamental principle of learning, i.e., learning by and through concept formation and manipulation. The data were gathered by means of pre‐and post‐course essays written under unstructured conditions on the topic, “What Is Teaching and Learning?” Statistical analysis of the data revealed that: (a) both the experimental and the control groups achieved significant increases in terms of the acquisition and use of specified concepts; (b) there was no significant difference between the increase registered by the experimental group and the increase registered by the control group. The study finds that, in this case, group‐centered instruction under the guidance of a counselor teacher was equally effective as instruction under the direction of a non‐counselor teacher in the application of a fundamental principle of learning throughout a full quarter of instruction. Findings are discussed from the standpoint of improvement of teacher education in terms of the use of the counselor approach to teaching in order to achieve significant cognitive gains and from the standpoint of improving mental health in the classroom.
WAS THE GOLD STANDARD REALLY DESTABILIZING?
Authors: Fagan Gabriel , Lothian James R. , Mcnelis Paul D.
Published: February 2012

This paper investigates the extent to which the high macroeconomic volatility experienced in the classical Gold Standard era of US history can be attributed to the monetary policy regime per se as distinct from other shocks. For this purpose, we estimate a small dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model for the classical Gold Standard era. We use this model to conduct a counterfactual experiment to assess whether a monetary policy conducted on the basis of a Taylor rule characterizing the Great Moderation data would have led to different outcomes for macroeconomic volatility and welfare in the Gold Standard era. The counterfactual Taylor rule significantly reduces inflation volatility, but at the cost of higher real‐money and interest‐rate volatility. Output volatility is very similar. The end result is no welfare improvement. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DURATION DEPENDENCE VERSUS UNOBSERVED HETEROGENEITY IN TREATMENT EFFECTS: SWEDISH LABOR MARKET TRAINING AND THE TRANSITION RATE TO EMPLOYMENT
Authors: Richardson Katarina , van den Berg Gerard J.
Published: February 2012

The effect of a treatment on the hazard rate of a duration outcome may depend on the elapsed time since treatment. In addition, treatment effects may be heterogeneous across agents. The former gives rise to duration dependence of the treatment effect, whereas unobserved heterogeneity gives rise to spurious duration dependence of the observable hazard rate. We develop a model allowing for duration dependence and unobserved heterogeneity in the treatment effect. The model incorporates a Timing of Events model and allows for selectivity on unobservables. We prove identification, exploiting variation in the timing of treatment and outcome. In the application we analyze the effects of the Swedish vocational employment training program on the individual transition rate from unemployment to work. We demonstrate the appropriateness of the approach by studying the enrollment process. The data cover the population and include multiple unemployment spells for many individuals. The results indicate a large, significantly positive effect on exit to work shortly after exiting the program. The effect at the individual level diminishes after some weeks. When taking account of the time spent in the program, the effect on the mean unemployment duration is small. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrochemical and Spectral Characterizations of 9‐Phenylcarbazoles
Authors: Chiu Ssu‐Kai , Chung Yi‐Chun , Liou Guey‐Sheng , Su Yuhlong Oliver
Published: February 2012

A series of 9‐phenylcarbazoles have been synthesized and characterized for their electrochemical as well as spectral properties. For 3,6‐substituted carbazoles, the oxidation is reversible and the potential is affected by the substituents. For 3,6‐unprotected carbazoles, on the other hand, the oxidized forms can undergo dimerization. Their corresponding dimers have been independently synthesized by chemical methods and have exhibited identical spectral properties. The para position of the 9‐phenyl group is relatively insensitive for redox and chemical reactions. The amino derivatives are unstable in carbazole cation radical form compared with their triphenylamine counterparts.
Treatment of a gaseous mixture by biofilters filled with an inorganic packing material: performance and influence of inoculation on removal efficiency levels
Authors: Gadal‐Mawart Aurélie , Malhautier Luc , Renner Christophe , Rocher Janick , Fanlo Jean‐Louis
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND: The impact of inoculation on performance and subsequent community structure is a critical question in gas biofiltration processes. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of inoculation on biofilters packed with an inorganic medium and fed with a gaseous mixture (oxygenated and sulphur compounds).

RESULTS: Inoculated biofilters (BF1 and BF2 duplicates) exhibit higher overall removal performances and lower removal height (oxygenated: 100% at 50 cm and sulphur: 55% at 100 cm) than control biofilters (PC) (oxygenated: 94% and sulphur: 39% at 100 cm). The concentration of compounds was measured along the bed height using two sampling lines. For each biofilter, the evolution of removal efficiency as a function of height differs and depends on the line considered. At steady‐state, a divergence is observed between the bacterial communities of BFs that exhibited a similar stratification pattern of removal efficiency.

CONCLUSION: Inoculation of biofilters seems to bring enough diversity to allow the emergence of fitted species resulting in higher pollutants removal and to strengthen the heterogeneity of biodegradation activities distribution along the column height. The divergence of the microbial community structure in BF samples can be explained by low selective pressure and high resource availability which influence the community composition. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Hydrogen production with carbon nanotubes based cathode catalysts in microbial electrolysis cells
Authors: Wang Liyong , Chen Yingwen , Huang Qiong , Feng Yangyang , Zhu Shemin , Shen Shubao
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND: Microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) has been considered as a promising new technology for the production of bio‐hydrogen from renewable biomass, but low‐cost alternatives to typical cathode material (platinum) are needed. In this study, CNTs‐based electrode alternatives to Pt were examined in a single‐chamber membrane‐free MEC. To the best of our knowledge, the use of carbon nanotube as the MEC cathode catalyst has not been reported so far.

RESULTS: For all cathodes, hydrogen production rates increased in response to increase in voltage and the highest hydrogen production was achieved at 0.9 V. At an applied voltage of 0.9 V, MECs with Pt/MWNT cathodes obtained a hydrogen production rate of 1.42 m3 m−3 day−1 with a current density of 192 A m−3, a coulombic efficiency of 94%, a cathodic hydrogen recovery of 65%, and electrical energy efficiency based on electricity input of 126%.

CONCLUSIONS: The Pt/MWNT cathode developed demonstrated better electrocatalytic activity than the MWNT cathode and achieved performance comparable with the Pt cathode in terms of hydrogen production rate. These results demonstrate the great potential of using carbon cloth with CNTs‐based electrodes as a cathode material for MECs. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
High resolution climate data for Austria in the period 2008–2040 from a statistical climate change model
Authors: Strauss F. , Formayer H. , Schmid E.
Published: February 2012

Climate change data for Austria have been produced for the period from 2008 to 2040, with a temporal/spatial resolution of 1 d and 1 km2. The climate change data are based on historical daily weather station data from 1975 to 2007, and linear regression modelling with repeated bootstrapping. The spatial resolution is based on 60 climate clusters which represent homogenous climates with respect to mean annual precipitation sums and mean annual temperatures from the period 1961 to 1990. For each climate cluster, a regression model fit has been performed and extrapolated for the period 2008–2040. The integral parts of our regression model are: (1) the extrapolation of the observed linear temperature trend from 1975 to 2007, by using an average national trend of approximately 0.05 °C per year derived from a homogenized dataset, and (2) the repeated bootstrapping of historical temperature residuals, and of the observations for some other weather parameters, such as solar radiation, precipitation, relative humidity and wind speed. Thus, we ensure consistent physical, spatial and temporal correlations. Precipitation scenarios have been developed to account for any possible wider range of precipitation patterns. These scenarios include increased/decreased annual precipitation sums, as well as unchanged annual precipitation sums, but with different seasonal distributions. These climate change data are available at: http://www.landnutzung.at/Klima_Daten.html Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Evaluation of climate change effects on future corn (Zea mays L.) yield in western Turkey
Authors: Durdu Ömer Faruk
Published: February 2012

A comparative performance analysis was studied on well‐known drought indices [Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) and its moisture anomaly index (Orig‐Z), self‐calibrated Palmer Drought Severity Index (SC‐PDSI) and its moisture anomaly index (SC‐Z)] to determine the most appropriate index for assessing corn (Zea mays L.) yield in four crop regions (Aydın, Denizli, Afyon, Uşak) in western Turkey and to evaluate the vulnerability of corn production to climate change with future projections provided by the Hadley Centre for Climate Prediction and Research ENSEMBLES project (HadCM3Q0). A series of curvilinear regression‐based crop‐yield models were developed for each of the crop region based on the drought indices. The crop‐yield model that performed best at high‐drought risk years was the SC‐PDSI in Aydın region and the PDSI in Denizli, Afyon and Uşak regions. The SC‐PDSI index in Aydın region described 75.1% of the measured variability. The PDSI index in Denizli Ayfon and Uşak regions explained 69.8, 71.3 and 66.4% of the measured yield variability, respectively. The vulnerability of the corn yield to HadCM3Q0 projections was evaluated for Aydın and Afyon regions due to the resolution of the regional climate model. For the high‐drought risk years, the expected decrease in corn yields was 2.1 ton ha−1 in Aydın region and 0.014 ton ha−1 for Afyon region. For the low drought risk years, the crop yield models predicted the expected decrease in corn yield as 0.104 ton ha−1 in Afyon region. However, there was a positive yield response by 0.022 ton ha−1 in Aydın region. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
The influence of organic and conventional cultivation systems on the nutritional value and content of bioactive compounds in selected tomato types
Authors: Hallmann Ewelina
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND: Tomato fruits contain a high level of antioxidants such as vitamin C, polyphenols (including flavonoids), and carotenoids (such as lycopene and β‐carotene). Some studies have shown the higher level of bioactive compounds in organically produced tomato fruits compared to conventional ones, but not all studies were consistent in this respect. The levels of carotenoids and phenolics are very variable and may be affected by ripeness, genotype and cultivation. The aim of the study was to compare the effects of organic and conventional production systems on chemical properties and phenolic compounds of two tomato types (standard and cherry). The experiment was carried out in two growing seasons of 2008 and 2009, and in three organic and three conventional farms.

RESULTS: The results obtained have shown that, in 2008, organic tomatoes presented a higher ratio of reducing sugars/organic acids, and contained significantly more total sugars, vitamin C and total flavonoids, 3‐quercetin rutinoside, and myricetin in comparison with the conventional fruits. In 2009, organic tomatoes contained significantly more vitamin C, quercetin‐3‐O‐glucoside and chlorogenic acid, myricetin and kaempferol in comparison with the conventional fruits.

CONCLUSIONS: The organic growing system affects tomato quality parameters such as nutritional value and phenolic compound content. The second significant factor of nutritional value of tomato is the type of fruits. It would be necessary to continue this study as a long‐term experiment in order to eliminate the influence of seasonality. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Application of novel electrospun nanofibrous membranes with different modifications for immobilising glutamine synthetase
Authors: Liu Bo , Ge Ling , Zhang Chenlu , Zhao Yusheng , Li Ping
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND: Theanine synthesis is of interest because of the physiological and pharmacological benefits of theanine. Glutamine synthetase (GS, EC 6.3.1.2) from Pseudomonas taetrolens can be used for theanine biosynthesis. In this study, GS was immobilised in polyvinyl alcohol electrospun nanofibres, and the properties of immobilised GS with different solidifying modifications were studied.

RESULTS: Electrospinning is a good method for enzyme immobilisation. When carbon nanotubes were used as an adsorbent, the activity retention of immobilised GS was 92.3%. With glutaraldehyde as a crosslinker, the enzyme activity retention was only 50.7%; however, by adding collagen or peptide to the electrospinning solution with glutaraldehyde, the activity retention could be improved to 85.9 or 59.6% respectively. Scanning electron micrographs showed that the modifiers induced morphological changes in the nanofibres. The optimum pH and temperature of immobilised GS also changed. In addition, the reusability and storage stability of immobilised GS with glutaraldehyde were much better than those of immobilised GS with carbon nanotubes.

CONCLUSION: A novel method has been established in this study for the immobilisation of GS in electrospun nanofibrous membranes. Carbon nanotubes and glutaraldehyde enhanced the immobilisation, while collagen or peptide inclusion could recover the activity loss caused by glutaraldehyde. The obtained immobilised enzyme achieved high reusability and storage stability. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Nutritional biomarkers for objective dietary assessment
Authors: Kuhnle Gunter GC
Published: February 2012

The accurate assessment of dietary exposure is important in investigating associations between diet and disease. Research in nutritional epidemiology, which has resulted in a large amount of information on associations between diet and chronic diseases in the last decade, relies on accurate assessment methods to identify these associations. However, most dietary assessment instruments rely to some extent on self‐reporting, which is prone to systematic bias affected by factors such as age, gender, social desirability and approval. Nutritional biomarkers are not affected by these and therefore provide an additional, alternative method to estimate intake. However, there are also some limitations in their application: they are affected by inter‐individual variations in metabolism and other physiological factors, and they are often limited to estimating intake of specific compounds and not entire foods. It is therefore important to validate nutritional biomarkers to determine specific strengths and limitations. In this perspective paper, criteria for the validation of nutritional markers and future developments are discussed. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Folic Acid‐Decorated Nanocomposites Prepared by a Simple Solvent Displacement Method
Authors: Benfer Markus , Reul Regina , Betz Thomas , Kissel Thomas
Published: February 2012

A biodegradable nanocarrier system based on PLGA applicable for FR targeting is described. PEI‐based conjugates with covalently coupled folic acid are synthesized, characterized with regard to their composition and used for DNA complexation. The preparation of composites is performed by a solvent displacement technique, assuming an electrostatic interaction of PEI‐based polyplexes with PLGA. The synthesis of a folic acid‐PEG3kDa‐PEI25kDa conjugate is achieved. Blending of PLGA with polyplexes results in spherical nanoparticles with sizes ≤ 250 nm. Incorporation of polyplexes and the localization of folic acid on the particle surface, performed by antibody binding, is confirmed. The method is suitable for the preparation of nanosized, folic‐acid‐decorated nanoparticles.

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Flavone deglycosylation increases their anti‐inflammatory activity and absorption
Authors: Hostetler Gregory , Riedl Ken , Cardenas Horacio , Diosa‐Toro Mayra , Arango Daniel , Schwartz Steven , Doseff Andrea I.
Published: February 2012

Scope

Flavones have reported anti‐inflammatory activities, but the ability of flavone‐rich foods to reduce inflammation is unclear. Here, we report the effect of flavone glycosylation in the regulation of inflammatory mediators in vitro and the absorption of dietary flavones in vivo.

Methods and results

The anti‐inflammatory activities of celery extracts, some rich in flavone aglycones and others rich in flavone glycosides, were tested on the inflammatory mediators tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) and nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells (NF‐κB) in lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated macrophages. Pure flavone aglycones and aglycone‐rich extracts effectively reduced TNF‐α production and inhibited the transcriptional activity of NF‐κB, while glycoside‐rich extracts showed no significant effects. Deglycosylation of flavones increased cellular uptake and cytoplasmic localization as shown by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and microscopy using the flavonoid fluorescent dye diphenylboric acid 2‐aminoethyl ester (DPBA). Celery diets with different glycoside or aglycone contents were formulated and absorption was evaluated in mice fed with 5 or 10% celery diets. Relative absorption in vivo was significantly higher in mice fed with aglycone‐rich diets as determined by HPLC‐MS/MS (where MS/MS is tandem mass spectrometry).

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that deglycosylation increases absorption of dietary flavones in vivo and modulates inflammation by reducing TNF‐α and NF‐κB, suggesting the potential use of functional foods rich in flavones for the treatment and prevention of inflammatory diseases.
Validity study of the K6 scale as a measure of moderate mental distress based on mental health treatment need and utilization
Authors: Prochaska Judith J. , Sung Hai‐Yen , Max Wendy , Shi Yanling , Ong Michael
Published: February 2012

The widely‐used Kessler K6 non‐specific distress scale screens for severe mental illness defined as a K6 score ≥ 13, estimated to afflict about 6% of US adults. The K6, as currently used, fails to capture individuals struggling with more moderate mental distress that nonetheless warrants mental health intervention. The current study determined a cutoff criterion on the K6 scale indicative of moderate mental distress based on mental health treatment need and assessed the validity of this criterion by comparing participants with identified moderate and severe mental distress on relevant clinical, impairment, and risk behavior measures. Data were analyzed from 50,880 adult participants in the 2007 California Health Interview Survey. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified K6 ≥ 5 as the optimal lower threshold cut‐point indicative of moderate mental distress. Based on the K6, 8.6% of California adults had serious mental distress and another 27.9% had moderate mental distress. Correlates of moderate and serious mental distress were similar. Respondents with moderate mental distress had rates of mental health care utilization, impairment, substance use and other risks lower than respondents with serious mental distress and greater than respondents with none/low mental distress. The findings support expanded use and analysis of the K6 scale in quantifying and examining correlates of mental distress at a moderate, yet still clinically relevant, level. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of 1H NMR in the flow surveillance of oil wells
Authors: Pourabdollah Kobra , Mokhtari Bahram
Published: February 2012

Test‐separator units, as traditional methods of well surveillance, mainly suffer from their inherent constraints including the expensive instrumental, mechanical, electrical, piping and safety devices along with technical and protective inspections, repair and operation services, facilities and infrastructures. Other problems are time and cost consuming, uncertainty of well isolation in test separator and need to close the co‐line wells, which are diminished using multivariate thermal well testing. A novel approach was proposed and tested to classify the oil samples taken from individual wells by source and type. The novelties of this work were the use of the applied aspects of 1H NMR spectroscopy in petroleum upstream engineering, the replacement of traditional test methods, the improvement of the confidence of tests and the recognition of multisource streams. The weighed sum method was used to correlate the spectra information, taken from the samples of Iranian offshore oil wells. The experimental results and the field data revealed that the present approach was appropriate for precocious, quick and reliable surveillance of individual oil wells located in an oil field. The model was supported by field experiments and has predicted the accurate productivity of oil wells with respect to the current expensive techniques since 2010. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Production/distribution system design with inventory considerations
Authors: Keskin Burcu B. , Üster Halit
Published: February 2012

This study addresses the design of a three‐stage production/distribution system where the first stage includes the set of established retailers and the second and third stages include the sets of potential distribution centers (DCs) and potential capacitated suppliers, respectively. In this problem, in addition to the fixed location/operating costs associated with locating DCs and suppliers, we consider the coordinated inventory replenishment decisions at the located DCs and retailers along with the appropriate inventory costs explicitly. In particular, we account for the replenishment and holding costs at the retailers and selected DCs, and the fixed plus distance‐based transportation costs between the selected plants and their assigned DCs, and between the selected DCs and their respective retailers, explicitly. The resulting formulation is a challenging mixed‐integer nonlinear programming model for which we propose efficient heuristic solution approaches. Our computational results demonstrate the performance of the heuristic approaches as well as the value of integrated decision‐making by verifying that significant cost savings are realizable when the inventory decisions and costs are incorporated in the production distribution system design. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 59: 172–195, 2012
New Mesolithic Hunting Evidence from Bone Injuries at Danish Maglemosian Sites: Lundby Mose and Mullerup (Sjælland)
Authors: Leduc C.
Published: February 2012

The recent re‐analysis of the Maglemosian faunal assemblages from Mullerup and Lundby Mose (Sjælland) has led to the discovery of new hunting injuries in the Danish Early Mesolithic. In total, including the two cases already published, two examples come from the Lundby Mose site, and seven from Mullerup, including embedded flint fragments and perforations. Such new data emphasise the need for meticulous re‐analysis of bone assemblages, relying on experimental work on projectile impacts, in order to increase the number of such discoveries. The link with weapons and hunting techniques and the question of the frequency of projectile impacts during the Danish Mesolithic are discussed, as well as their significance in terms of mobility of human groups, particularly in the case of healed wounds. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal originator valuation and the global financial crisis
Authors: Petersen M.A. , Mukuddem‐Petersen J. , Thomas S. , de Waal B.
Published: February 2012

In this paper, we discuss subprime mortgage design in both a theoretical‐ and numerical‐quantitative framework. In particular, we model mortgages that are able to fully amortize, voluntarily prepay (involving prepayment and possibly refinancing), or default. In this regard, we find that mortgage refinancing is curtailed by high loan‐to‐value ratios because of house price depreciation, whereas low loan‐to‐value ratios increase mortgagor house equity. Furthermore, an optimal originator valuation problem under mortgage origination is solved. In this case, optimal mortgage value and rates as well as profit are computed. The paper supports the view that the subprime mortgage crisis was partially caused by the intricacy of design of subprime mortgages that led to information (asymmetry, contagion, inefficiency, and loss) problems, valuation opaqueness, and ineffective risk mitigation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Good Vibrations – Einsatz der CARS‐Mikroskopie
Authors: Potma Eric Olaf , Landwehr Stefanie , Sägmüller Bernd
Published: February 2012

Moderne, schnelle Bildgebungsverfahren erlauben uns heute, molekulare Prozesse in der Zelle live zu beobachten und leisten damit einen großen Beitrag zum besseren Verständnis der Vorgänge in der Zelle. Ein in den letzten Jahren entwickeltes Verfahren ist die CARS‐Mikroskopie (Coherent Anti‐Stokes Raman Scattering). Damit lassen sich Schwingungszustände von Molekülen abbilden, da molekulare Eigenschwingungen spezifische Fingerabdrücke im Schwingungsspektrum hinterlassen. Eric Potma, Dozent an der Universität Kalifornien, Irvine, USA, erklärt, wie sein Team dieses neue Abbildungsverfahren einsetzt und welche Perspektiven er für den zukünftigen Einsatz der CARS‐Mikroskopie sieht.
Abrollen, abperlen, spreiten
Authors: Duparré Angela , Coriand Luisa
Published: February 2012

Eine Vielzahl von optischen Oberflächen wird unter extensiver Verwendung von Chemikalien gereinigt. Prominente Beispiele dafür sind u.a. die Bereiche Flachglas, Spiegel und Optikkomponenten im Innen‐ und Außeneinsatz. Dies belastet in hohem Maße die Umwelt und kann durch den Einsatz von Oberflächen mit einstellbaren Benetzungseigenschaften bis hin zur Superhydrophobie und Selbstreinigung erheblich reduziert werden. Neben der Reduktion der Belastung durch Reinigungsmittel liegt ein weiterer Schlüssel zur Ressourceneffizienz in einer effektiven Prozessgestaltung zur Herstellung derartiger Funktionsflächen.
Der richtige Draht zum modernen Multimedia‐Gerät
Authors: Oberascher Markus
Published: February 2012

Es mag die Frage aufkommen, warum viele Hersteller immer noch in die Entwicklungen neuer IR Produkte für Fernbedienungen investieren, obwohl die Funkübertragung zunimmt. IR Übertragung scheint veraltet zu sein und in Kürze von der Funkübertragung abgelöst zu werden. Nun, veraltet ist sie trotz allem nicht und sie lässt sich auch nicht so leicht von der Funkübertragung verdrängen. Die Gründe sind klar: die IR Technologie ist immer noch die beste Lösung für die meisten Fernbedienungsanwendungen weil sie gute Funktionalität, einfache Implementierbarkeit und ein gutes PreisLeistungsverhältnis bietet.