bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vertical and horizontal processes in the global atmosphere and the maximum entropy production conjecture
Authors: Pascale S. , Gregory J. M. , Ambaum M. H. P. , Tailleux R. , Lucarini V.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. The objective of this paper is to reconsider the Maximum Entropy Production conjecture (MEP) in the context of a very simple two-dimensional zonal-vertical climate model able to represent the total material entropy production due at the same time to both horizontal and vertical heat fluxes. MEP is applied first to a simple four-box model of climate which accounts for both horizontal and vertical material heat fluxes. It is shown that, under condition of fixed insolation, a MEP solution is found with reasonably realistic temperature and heat fluxes, thus generalising results from independent two-box horizontal or vertical models. It is also shown that the meridional and the vertical entropy production terms are independently involved in the maximisation and thus MEP can be applied to each subsystem with fixed boundary conditions. We then extend the four-box model by increasing its resolution, and compare it with GCM output. A MEP solution is found which is fairly realistic as far as the horizontal large scale organisation of the climate is concerned whereas the vertical structure looks to be unrealistic and presents seriously unstable features. This study suggest that the thermal meridional structure of the atmosphere is predicted fairly well by MEP once the insolation is given but the vertical structure of the atmosphere cannot be predicted satisfactorily by MEP unless constraints are imposed to represent the determination of longwave absorption by water vapour and clouds as a function of the state of the climate. Furthermore an order-of-magnitude estimate of contributions to the material entropy production due to horizontal and vertical processes within the climate system is provided by using two different methods. In both cases we found that approximately 40 mW m−2 K−1 of material entropy production is due to vertical heat transport and 5–7 mW m−2 K−1 to horizontal heat transport.
The 1-way on-line coupled atmospheric chemistry model system MECO(n) – Part 2: On-line coupling with the Multi-Model-Driver (MMD)
Authors: Kerkweg A. , Jöckel P.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. A new, highly flexible model system for the seamless dynamical down-scaling of meteorological and chemical processes from the global to the meso-γ scale is presented. A global model and a cascade of an arbitrary number of limited-area model instances run concurrently in the same parallel environment, in which the coarser grained instances provide the boundary data for the finer grained instances. Thus, disk-space intensive and time consuming intermediate and pre-processing steps are entirely avoided and the time interpolation errors of common off-line nesting approaches are minimised. More specifically, the regional model COSMO of the German Weather Service (DWD) is nested on-line into the atmospheric general circulation model ECHAM5 within the Modular Earth Submodel System (MESSy) framework. ECHAM5 and COSMO have previously been equipped with the MESSy infrastructure, implying that the same process formulations (MESSy submodels) are available for both models. This guarantees the highest degree of achievable consistency, between both, the meteorological and chemical conditions at the domain boundaries of the nested limited-area model, and between the process formulations on all scales. The on-line nesting of the different models is established by a client-server approach with the newly developed Multi-Model-Driver (MMD), an additional component of the MESSy infrastructure. With MMD an arbitrary number of model instances can be run concurrently within the same message passing interface (MPI) environment, the respective coarser model (either global or regional) is the server for the nested finer (regional) client model, i.e. it provides the data required to calculate the initial and boundary fields to the client model. On-line nesting means that the coupled (client-server) models exchange their data via the computer memory, in contrast to the data exchange via files on disk in common off-line nesting approaches. MMD consists of a library (Fortran95 and some parts in C) which is based on the MPI standard and two new MESSy submodels, MMDSERV and MMDCLNT (both Fortran95) for the server and client models, respectively. MMDCLNT contains a further sub-submodel, INT2COSMO, for the interpolation of the coarse grid data provided by the server models (either ECHAM5/MESSy or COSMO/MESSy) to the grid of the respective client model (COSMO/MESSy). INT2COSMO is based on the off-line pre-processing tool INT2LM provided by the DWD. The new achievements allow the setup of model cascades for zooming (down-scaling) from the global scale to the lower edge of the meso-γ scale (≈1 km) with a very high degree of consistency between the different models and between the chemical and meteorological boundary conditions.
The 1-way on-line coupled atmospheric chemistry model system MECO(n) – Part 3: Meteorological evaluation of the on-line coupled system
Authors: Hofmann C. , Kerkweg A. , Wernli H. , Jöckel P.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. Three detailed meteorological case studies are conducted with the global and regional atmospheric chemistry model system ECHAM5/MESSy(→COSMO/MESSy)n, shortly named MECO(n). The aim of this article is to assess the general performance of the on-line coupling of the regional model COSMO to the global model ECHAM5. The cases are characterised by intense weather systems in Central Europe: a cold front passage in March 2010, a convective frontal event in July 2007, and the high impact winter storm "Kyrill" in January 2007. Simulations are performed with the new on-line-coupled model system and compared to classical, off-line COSMO hindcast simulations driven by ECMWF analyses. Precipitation observations from rain gauges and ECMWF analysis fields are used as reference, and both qualitative and quantitative measures are used to characterise the quality of the various simulations. It is shown that, not surprisingly, simulations with a shorter lead time generally produce more accurate simulations. Irrespective of lead time, the accuracy of the on-line and off-line COSMO simulations are comparable for the three cases. This result indicates that the new global and regional model system MECO(n) is able to simulate key mid-latitude weather systems, including cyclones, fronts, and convective precipitation, as accurately as present-day state-of-the-art regional weather prediction models in standard off-line configuration. Therefore, MECO(n) will be applied to simulate atmospheric chemistry exploring the model's full capabilities during meteorologically challenging conditions.
The 1-way on-line coupled atmospheric chemistry model system MECO(n) – Part 1: Description of the limited-area atmospheric chemistry model COSMO/MESSy
Authors: Kerkweg A. , Jöckel P.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. The numerical weather prediction model of the Consortium for Small Scale Modelling (COSMO), maintained by the German weather service (DWD), is connected with the Modular Earth Submodel System (MESSy). This effort is undertaken in preparation of a new, limited-area atmospheric chemistry model. Limited-area models require lateral boundary conditions for all prognostic variables. Therefore the quality of a regional chemistry model is expected to improve, if boundary conditions for the chemical constituents are provided by the driving model in consistence with the meteorological boundary conditions. The new developed model is as consistent as possible, with respect to atmospheric chemistry and related processes, with a previously developed global atmospheric chemistry general circulation model: the ECHAM/MESSy Atmospheric Chemistry (EMAC) model. The combined system constitutes a new research tool, bridging the global to the meso-γ scale for atmospheric chemistry research. MESSy provides the infrastructure and includes, among others, the process and diagnostic submodels for atmospheric chemistry simulations. Furthermore, MESSy is highly flexible allowing model setups with tailor made complexity, depending on the scientific question. Here, the connection of the MESSy infrastructure to the COSMO model is documented and also the code changes required for the generalisation of regular MESSy submodels. Moreover, previously published prototype submodels for simplified tracer studies are generalised to be plugged-in and used in the global and the limited-area model. They are used to evaluate the TRACER interface implementation in the new COSMO/MESSy model system and the tracer transport characteristics, an important prerequisite for future atmospheric chemistry applications. A supplementary document with further details on the technical implementation of the MESSy interface into COSMO with a complete list of modifications to the COSMO code is provided.
Geochemical characterization of supraglacial debris via in situ and optical remote sensing methods: a case study in Khumbu Himalaya, Nepal
Authors: Casey K. A. , Kääb A. , Benn D. I.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. Surface glacier debris samples and field spectra were collected from the ablation zones of Nepal Himalaya Ngozumpa and Khumbu glaciers in November and December 2009. Geochemical and mineral compositions of supraglacial debris were determined by X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. This composition data was used as ground truth in evaluating field spectra and satellite supraglacial debris composition and mapping methods. Satellite remote sensing methods for characterizing glacial surface debris include visible to thermal infrared hyper- and multispectral reflectance and emission signature identification, semi-quantitative mineral abundance indicies and spectral image composites. Satellite derived supraglacial debris mineral maps displayed the predominance of layered silicates, hydroxyl-bearing and calcite minerals on Khumbu Himalayan glaciers. Supraglacial mineral maps compared with satellite thermal data revealed correlations between glacier surface composition and glacier surface temperature. Glacier velocity displacement fields and shortwave, thermal infrared false color composites indicated the magnitude of mass flux at glacier confluences. The supraglacial debris mapping methods presented in this study can be used on a broader scale to improve, supplement and potentially reduce errors associated with glacier debris radiative property, composition, areal extent and mass flux quantifications.
Serum Levels of Biochemical Markers of Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Borg Keith , Bonomo Jordan , Jauch Edward C. , Kupchak Peter , Stanton Eric B. , Sawadsky Bruce
Published: January 2012

Background. A biomarker would be valuable in the diagnosis, risk stratification and prognosis of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Methods. We measured serum levels of S-100β, neuron specific enolase (NSE) and myelin basic protein (MBP) in 50 TBI subjects, and 50 age and gender matched controls. Patients were recruited within 6 hours of the initial injury, they had an initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 14 or less, or a GCS score of 15 with witnessed loss of consciousness (LOC) or amnesia. Results. S-100β, NSE and MBP levels were significantly higher in TBI subjects than in control subjects (P<0.001 for S-100β and NSE; P=0.009 for MBP). Initial S-100β levels were significantly higher in TBI subjects who had not retuned to normal activities 2 weeks following their injury than in TBI subjects who had retuned to normal activities (P=0.022). MBP levels were higher in TBI subjects with positive findings on the baseline CT scan than in CT-negative subjects (P=0.007). Conclusions. S-100β, NSE and MBP may be present in the sera of TBI subjects in elevated quantities relative to controls. S-100β may aid in predicting short-term outcome in TBI subjects.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Carbonylation of Amines: Switchable Approaches to Carbamates and N,N′‐Disubstituted Ureas
Authors: Guan Zheng‐Hui , Lei Hao , Chen Ming , Ren Zhi‐Hui , Bai Yinjuan , Wang Yao‐Yu
Published: January 2012

Switchable access to carbamates and ureas has been developed by solvent control palladium‐catalyzed carbonylation of aromatic amines under an atmosphere of carbon monoxide. A variety of N‐phenylcarbamates and N,N′‐diphenylureas was easily synthesized in good to excellent yields from readily available aromatic amines under mild conditions.
Facile Preparation and Reactivity of Magnetic Nanoparticle‐ Supported Hypervalent Iodine Reagent: A Convenient Recyclable Reagent for Oxidation
Authors: Zhu Chenjie , Wei Yunyang
Published: January 2012

A simple three‐step preparation of magnetic nanoparticle‐supported (diacetoxyiodo)benzene starting from 4‐iodobenzoic acid is described. The nanoparticle reagent was obtained with good loading levels and has been successfully used for efficient oxidation of a wide range of alcohols. The supported reagent demonstrated comparable activity with that of its homogeneous counterpart (diacetoxyiodo)benzene and could be simply recycled with the assistance of an external magnet.
Die Umprogrammierung des genetischen Codes: vom Triplett‐ zum Quadruplettcode
Authors: Wang Kaihang , Schmied Wolfgang H. , Chin Jason W.
Published: January 2012

Der genetische Code lebender Zellen ist nahezu universell ein Triplettcode. Zelluläre Ribosomen so zu verändern, dass sie auch andere als Triplettcodes ablesen können, stellt eine große Herausforderung dar, da viele ribosomale Mutationen letal sind. In diesem Kurzaufsatz diskutieren wir den Einbau nichtnatürlicher Aminosäuren in Proteine durch Ablesen von Quadruplettcodons sowie die Entwicklung eines orthogonalen Translationssystems in der Zelle, das sich eines evolvierten orthogonalen Ribosoms bedient, um durch Ablesen von Quadruplettcodons in effizienter Weise den Einbau nichtnatürlicher Aminosäuren in Proteine zu dirigieren. Durch Verwendung dieses Systems gelang der Einbau von multiplen nichtnatürlichen Aminosäuren, um rekombinante Proteine auf genetischem Wege mit emergenten Eigenschaften auszustatten. Die Ausweitung dieses Ansatzes könnte die kombinatorische Biosynthese von Materialien und Therapeutika möglich machen und darüber hinaus die Erforschung der Frage anspornen, ob sich Lebensformen mit zusätzlichen genetisch codierten Polymeren entwickeln könnten, die Aufgaben erfüllen, die natürliche biologische Systeme nicht ausführen.
Effect of reactive blocked polyisocyanate on the properties of solvent cast blends from poly(lactic acid) and poly(ethylene glycol)
Authors: Shen Tengfei , Lu Mangeng , Zhou Dewen , Liang Liyan
Published: January 2012

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) blends containing reactive ethyl cellosolve‐blocked polyisocyanate (EC‐bp) as a crosslinking agent with the goal of making sustainable “eco‐friendly materials” were prepared using solvent casting method. Effects of such crosslinking agent and PEG additive on the properties of the prepared blends were investigated and compared. The morphology of the blends, evaluated by environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), indicated that improved interfacial adhesion between PLA and PEG were achieved by the crosslinking effect of EC‐bp. Tensile properties and water resistance were also studied and the results showed that these properties of EC‐bp modified blends were significantly enhanced in comparison with the unmodified ones. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) results showed that the degree of crystallinity (χc) of the blends was enhanced in the presence of PEG domains, whereas crystallization rate was decreased by addition of EC‐bp. Dynamical mechanical analysis (DMA) showed that enhanced storage modulus and heat resistance of the blends were obtained when EC‐bp was introduced as a crosslinking agent. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Copolymerization of ethylene with α‐olefins over supported titanium–magnesium catalysts. II. Comonomer as a chain transfer agent
Authors: Nikolaeva Marina I. , Matsko Mikhail A. , Mikenas Tatiana B. , Echevskaya Ludmila G. , Zakharov Vladimir A.
Published: January 2012

The data on the effect of comonomer (propylene and 1‐hexene) on molecular weight (Mw), molecular weight distribution (MWD), and content of terminal double bonds were obtained for ethylene/α‐olefin copolymers produced over a supported titanium–magnesium catalyst (TMC) upon polymerization in the absence of hydrogen. The experimental data on the effect of comonomer concentration on Mw of polymers were used to calculate the ratios between the effective rate constants of chain transfer with monomer and the propagation rate constant. It was shown that the effective rate constant of chain transfer with monomers increases in the row of monomers: ethylene < 1‐hexene < propylene. Meanwhile, the data on the effect of copolymers on content of terminal double bonds of various types demonstrate that different reactions of chain transfer with comonomer may simultaneously occur during copolymerization. It results in simultaneous formation of terminal vinylidene and trans‐vinylene bonds. Therefore, the calculated rate constants of chain transfer with comonomer are complex values, which include the rate constants of chain transfer with comonomer occurring via different mechanisms. The data on MWD, short chain branching (SCB) and terminal double bonds content of different types were obtained by molecular weight fractionation of copolymers followed by the analysis of narrow fractions. The analysis of the data on MWDs of SCB and terminal double bonds shows that active sites of the TMC are considerably heterogeneous with respect to the rates of different chain transfer reactions with monomers. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Antielectrostatic agent addition in low‐dielectric‐constant polymerization media
Authors: Bayat Mohammad Hossein , Abdouss Majid
Published: January 2012

In the coordinative polymerization of α‐olefin by a slurry process, a low‐dielectric‐constant suspending agent, such as hexane or heptane, must be used. As a result of solvent movement and its friction between system components, electrostatic charges are generated. Because of low electrical conduction of these solvents, the generated charges accumulate in the polymerization medium. Consequently, a repulsive force between same charges effects the growth of the polymer particles and causes them to form fine particles. In this article, we present research results on the effects of antielectrostatic agents on the increase of the electrical conduction of the polymerization medium, particle size distribution, and also the quantity of fine particles in the final polymer. Techniques gained from the fuel industry were applied to modify the subjected polymerization medium. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Use of flux pre‐analysis to enable 13C tracer studies in pyruvate kinase‐deficient Escherichia coli
Authors: Meade Jonathan , Khan Saleem , Ataai Mohammad , Domach Michael
Published: January 2012

Pyruvate kinase‐deficient Escherichia coli (PB25) is a low by‐product‐producing yet fast‐growing mutant that has been shown to have technological potential. Determining the flux limits through finding the extreme point flux sets was previously reported to identify alternate metabolite trafficking scenarios. Previously, the extreme point flux sets were used to design tracer experiments; however, variation in extracellular measurements was not considered, and reaction reversibility was assumed to be low to moderate. In this study, we examined the utility of limiting the fluxes and predetermining the trafficking scenarios in PB25, including confirmation of quasi‐linearity between extreme points to ensure sensitivity is maintained. The effects of variation in extracellular measurements and reaction reversibilities were also examined. Tightened flux limits reduced the nonlinearity between label distribution and fluxes. For low to moderate reversibility, contrast was also preserved. However, for highly reversible phosphoglucoisomerase activity, information from common analytes could lead to a flux solution that is biased towards one extreme point. Based on the PB25 model, some suggestions are provided for how predetermining flux limits and trafficking scenarios could enable flux identification in larger network problems.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials of self-expanding metallic stents as a bridge to surgery versus emergency surgery for malignant left-sided large bowel obstruction
Authors: Tan C J , Dasari B V M , Gardiner K
Published: January 2012

Background

Use of self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) as a bridge to surgery has been suggested as an alternative management for acute malignant left-sided colonic obstruction, as emergency surgery has a high risk of morbidity and mortality. This meta-analysis evaluated high-quality evidence comparing preoperative SEMS with emergency surgery.

Methods

Relevant randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were identified from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, Embase and PubMed (1990–2011). Primary outcomes were primary anastomosis, stoma and in-hospital mortality rates. Secondary outcomes included anastomotic leak, 30-day reoperation and surgical-site infection rates.

Results

Four RCTs with 234 patients were included. Technical and clinical success rates for stenting were 70·7 per cent (82 of 116) and 69·0 per cent (80 of 116) respectively. The clinical perforation rate was 6·9 per cent (8 of 116) and the silent perforation rate 14 per cent (11 of 77). SEMS intervention resulted in significantly higher successful primary anastomosis (risk ratio (RR) 1·58, 95 per cent confidence interval 1·22 to 2·04; P < 0·001) and lower overall stoma (RR 0·71, 0·56 to 0·89; P = 0·004) rates. There was no difference in primary anastomosis, permanent stoma, in-hospital mortality, anastomotic leak, 30-day reoperation and surgical-site infection rates. Three trials were stopped prematurely, one because the emergency surgery group had a significantly increased anastomotic leak rate, and two others because of stent-related complications and increased 30-day morbidity following SEMS management.

Conclusion

Technical and clinical success rates for stenting were lower than expected. SEMS is associated with a high incidence of clinical and silent perforation. However, as a bridge to surgery, SEMS has higher successful primary anastomosis and lower overall stoma rates, with no significant difference in complications or mortality.
Do the Psychopathic Personality Traits of Fearless Dominance and Self‐Centered Impulsivity Predict Attitudes about and Influences on Research Participation?
Authors: Smith Shannon Toney , Edens John F. , Epstein Monica , Stiles Paul G. , Poythress Norman G.
Published: January 2012

Little is known about potential participants' views about research, their willingness to participate in research, and the extent to which they might be susceptible to coercive attempts to compel their participation, particularly among populations at risk for exploitation (e.g., offenders). The extent to which individual differences variables, such as personality constructs (e.g., psychopathic traits), might affect participants' attitudes toward research is also essentially unknown. The present study sought to examine the psychopathy constructs of Fearless Dominance (FD) and Self‐Centered Impulsivity (SCI) via the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire‐Brief Form (MPQ‐BF) to assess the extent to which these traits predict attitudes towards research and susceptibility to coercion within a diverse criminal justice sample (N = 631). SCI was modestly associated with perceptions that illicit pressures regarding research participation were likely to occur, and participants high in these traits appeared somewhat vulnerable to succumbing to coercive influences. In contrast, FD failed to predict the likelihood that illicit pressures regarding research participation would occur as well as the potential that these pressures would have to impact participants' voluntariness and likelihood of participating. Implications for recruiting potential participants for research in correctional settings are discussed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Arp@: Remote experiences with real embedded systems
Authors: Vilajosana Xavier , Llosa Jordi , Vilajosana Ignasi , Prieto‐Blàzquez Josep
Published: January 2012

The emergence of the Internet of Things increases the demand on embedded computer systems, which in turn requires the availability of specialized engineers in the near future. Several universities commenced embedded‐systems programming courses to complement students' skills by introducing specific firmware development techniques. Hands‐on labs with real hardware interaction is restricted to the time students are in the laboratory whilst virtual‐laboratories provide more flexibility at the caveat that students do not improve hardware manipulation skills as they cannot physically inter‐actuate with real devices. We argue that students' abilities can be increased by providing them with a sensor board with reduced computation and communication capabilities to work with at home. Students increase the time spent manipulating the device; moreover, their motivation is also increased as they can put their effort on developments of their interest. The article presents the experience carried out at the virtual‐course of Embedded‐Systems at the UOC. The developed technology, the methodology, and the feedback from students are presented here, and corroborate the benefits of the chosen methodology.© 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 22:639–648, 2014; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21555
Novel Capsular Aggregates from Flexible Tripodal Triureas with Cs Symmetry
Authors: Alajarin Mateo , Orenes Raul‐Angel , Howard Judith A. K. , Spencer Elinor C. , Steed Jonathan W. , Pastor Aurelia
Published: January 2012

Tris(2‐ and 3‐ureidobenzyl)amines with Cs symmetry self‐assemble in solution forming mixtures of regioisomeric capsular aggregates, one of which is chiral and the other centrosymmetric. Under certain conditions, a predominance of the centrosymmetric regioisomer is found before equilibrium, that is, a mixture close to the statistical ratio of the two species is reached. In the solid state, there is a preference for the centrosymmetric capsules. Molecular models of both regioisomeric aggregates have been built and analyzed for comparison. Guests inside capsules formed by self‐assembly of desymmetrized tris(3‐ureidobenzyl)amines feel different magnetic environments, depending on whether they are inside a chiral or an achiral regioisomeric container. Of special significance are the experiments with a more flexible triurea endowed with an ureidopropylic arm, which self‐assembles with the same efficiency as the more rigid tris(ureidobenzyl)amines.
Growth Behavior and Kinetics of Self‐Assembled Silica–Carbonate Biomorphs
Authors: Kellermeier Matthias , Melero‐García Emilio , Glaab Fabian , Eiblmeier Josef , Kienle Lorenz , Rachel Reinhard , Kunz Werner , García‐Ruiz Juan Manuel
Published: January 2012

Upon slow crystallization from silica‐containing solutions or gels at elevated pH, alkaline‐earth carbonates spontaneously self‐assemble into remarkable nanocrystalline ultrastructures. These so‐called silica biomorphs exhibit curved morphologies beyond crystallographic symmetry and ordered textures reminiscent of the hierarchical design found in many biominerals. The formation of these fascinating materials is thought to be driven by a dynamic coupling of the components’ speciations in solution, which causes concerted autocatalytic mineralization of silica‐stabilized nanocrystals over hours. In the present work, we have studied the precipitation kinetics of this unique system by determining growth rates of individual aggregates using video microscopy, and correlated the results with time‐dependent data on the concentration of metal ions and pH acquired online during crystallization. In this manner, insight to the evolution of chemical conditions during growth was gained. It is shown that crystallization proceeds linearly with time and is essentially reaction controlled, which fits well in the proposed morphogenetic scenario, and thus, indirectly supports it. Measurements of the silica concentration in solution, combined with analyses of crystal aggregates isolated at distinct stages of morphogenesis, further demonstrate that the fraction of silica coprecipitated with carbonate during active growth is rather small. We discuss our findings with respect to the role of silica in the formation of biomorphs, and moreover, prove that the external silica skins that occasionally sheath the aggregates—previously supposed to be involved in the growth mechanism— originate from secondary precipitation after growth is already terminated.
High‐TC Ferromagnetic Semiconductor‐Like Behavior and Unusual Electrical Properties in Compounds with a 2×2×2 Superstructure of the Half‐Heusler Phase
Authors: Xiong Ding‐Bang , Okamoto Norihiko L. , Waki Takeshi , Zhao Yufeng , Kishida Kyosuke , Inui Haruyuki
Published: January 2012

Heusler phases, including the full‐ and half‐Heusler families, represent an outstanding class of multifunctional materials on account of their great tunability in compositions, valence electron counts (VEC), and properties. Here we demonstrate a systematic design of a series of new compounds with a 2×2×2 superstructure of the half‐Heusler unit cell in X–Y–Z (X=Fe, Ru, Co, Rh, Ir; Y=Zn, Mn; Z=Sn, Sb) systems. Their structures were solved by using both powder and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, and also directly observed by using high‐angle annular dark‐field imaging in a scanning transmission electron microscope (HAADF‐STEM). The VEC values of these new compounds span a wide and continuous range comparable to those for the full‐ and half‐Heusler families, thereby implying tunability in compositions and physical properties in the superstructure. In fact, we observed abnormal electrical properties and a ferromagnetic semiconductor‐like behavior with a high and tunable Curie temperature in these superstructures.
Accurate solution for acceleration motion of a vertically falling spherical particle in incompressible newtonian media
Authors: Torabi Mohsen , Yaghoobi Hessameddin
Published: January 2012

In this paper, the acceleration motion of a vertically falling spherical particle in incompressible Newtonian media was investigated. The instantaneous velocity and acceleration were carried out using analytical solution technique i.e. the differential transformation method (DTM). Using the DTM, the non‐linear constrained governing equations were reduced to recurrence relations and related initial conditions were transformed into a set of algebraic equations. The solutions were subsequently solved by a process of inverse transformation. The results were also compared with those derived from the homotopy perturbation method (HPM), closed‐form solution, the established fourth order Runge–Kutta method and experimental data in order to verify the accuracy of the proposed method. It was found that this method can achieve more accurate results compared with the HPM. © 2012 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of Some Condensed [4‐(2,4,6‐Trimethylphenyl)‐1(2H)‐oxo‐phthalazin‐2‐yl]acetic Acid Hydrazide
Authors: El‐Hashash Maher A. , El‐Kady Ahmed Y. , Taha Mamdouh A. , El‐Shamy Ibrahim E.
Published: January 2012

Some new 1,2,4‐triazolo‐, 1,3,4‐oxadiazolo‐, 1,3,4‐thiadiazol‐, and pyrazolo‐2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl‐1(2H)‐oxo‐phthalazine derivatives were synthesized and identified by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, MS and elemental analysis. The new compounds were synthesized with the objective of studying their antimicrobial activity.
Effect of TAG composition on performance of low saturate shortenings in puff pastry
Authors: Garcia‐Macias Paulina , Gordon Michael H. , Frazier Richard A. , Smith Kevin , Gambelli Luisa
Published: January 2012

Four blends formulated with low saturated fatty acid content, with the saturated component rich in stearic acid, were prepared from shea stearin, interesterified shea stearin, fully hardened soybean oil and high oleic sunflower oil in order to study their performance as shortenings in puff pastry products. The blends had a low saturated fatty acid content (30.1 ± 1.1%) compared to butter (65.9%). Saturates in the four blends examined came mainly from SSS, SOS, SSO and SOO. Puff pastry prepared from the blend that contained SOS as the main source of saturates had better properties than the other blends. It was similar to butter in compressibility of the baked product. The β‐polymorphic form was present in all blends, although blends containing the highest levels of SSS also showed some β′ crystals.
Optimization of supercritical fluid extraction of linseed oil using RSM
Authors: Ivanov Dušica S. , Čolović Radmilo R. , Lević Jovanka D. , Sredanović Slavica A.
Published: January 2012

The objective of the present study was to develop a supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) method, suitable for extraction of total oil content from linseed, and to be used as a preparative technique for fatty acid determination. Optimum conditions (volume of added ethanol as a co‐solvent, dynamic extraction time (DET), and pressure) were predicted in order to obtain the maximum yield of the extract. Response surface methodology (RSM) and central composite rotatable design (CCRD) were used for modeling the process. Variable values ranged as follows: co‐solvent 0–1 mL, DET 36–60 min, and pressure 45.57–62.05 MPa (6000–9000 psi). Effects of co‐solvent volume and extraction pressure were well described by simplified polynomial equation (R2 = 0.85), since DET had no significant influence (p>0.05) on the extract yield. The maximum yield of oil, calculated from experimental results, was obtained with 1 mL of co‐solvent, and pressure of 62.05 MPa. Optimized conditions were used for extraction of oil from four samples of linseed, ground to pass through 1, 2, 3, and 4 mm‐sieve, to determine adequate granulation for SFE. Finally, results for yield and fatty acid composition of the extract obtained using SFE were compared with the results of Soxhlet extraction.

Practical applications: The obtained extracts can be used for fatty acid analysis, since they have not been damaged and their fatty acid compositions have not been degraded by reagents or aggressive extraction conditions. It is shown that the selection of appropriate milling equipment for grinding of samples is necessary to achieve adequate granulation and avoid fractionation of sample.
Equivalent linearization of non‐linear soil‐structure systems
Authors: Esmaeilzadeh Seylabi Elnaz , Jahankhah Hossein , Ali Ghannad Mohammad
Published: January 2012

The concept of equivalent linearization, in which the actual nonlinear structure is replaced by an equivalent linear single‐degree‐of‐freedom (SDOF) system, is extended for soil‐structure systems in order to consider the simultaneous effects of soil‐structure interaction (SSI) and inelastic behavior of the structure on equivalent linear parameters (ELP). This is carried out by searching over a two‐dimensional equivalent period–equivalent damping space for the best pair, which can predict the earthquake response of the inelastic soil‐structure system with sufficient accuracy. The super‐structure is modeled as an elasto‐plastic SDOF system whereas the soil beneath the structure is considered as a homogeneous half‐space and is replaced by a discrete model. An extensive parametric study is carried out for a wide range of soil‐structure systems subjected to a suite of 59 ground motions. The effect of SSI on ELP is studied through introducing a set of non‐dimensional key parameters, which define the soil‐structure system. It is shown that ELP of soil‐structure systems result from a trade‐off between SSI effect and nonlinear behavior of the structure. The contribution of each of these two factors depends on the characteristics of the soil‐structure system which, in turn, are defined by the introduced non‐dimensional key parameters. Moreover, the reliability of the predicted response of soil‐structure systems and its sensitivity to deviation from optimal ELP is studied in detail, which sheds light on the consequences of using improper pairs of ELP for interacting systems in the framework of performance‐based design of structures. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Serum and glucocorticoid kinase 3 at 8q13.1 promotes cell proliferation and survival in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liu Ming , Chen Leilei , Chan Tim Hon Man , Wang Jian , Li Yan , Zeng Ting-Ting , Yuan Yun-Fei , Guan Xin-Yuan
Published: January 2012

Amplification of broad regions of 8q is one of the most frequent genetic alterations in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), suggesting the existence of oncogenes in addition to MYC at 8q24.21. In this report we examine the potential role of the candidate amplified oncogene serum and glucocorticoid kinase 3 (
SGK3
) at 8q13.1 in HCC pathogenesis. We found amplification and overexpression of

SGK3

was frequently detected in clinical HCC specimens and that

SGK3

genomic activation was significantly associated with poor outcome of patients (
P

= 0.028). Functionally, we found that overexpression of

SGK3

in HCC cells increased cell cycle progression through G1, cell survival, clonogenicity, anchorage-independent growth, and tumor formation in nude mice. In contrast, RNA interference (RNAi) silencing of

SGK3

inhibited its oncogenic effects. We provide evidence that SGK3 promotes HCC growth and survival through inactivating glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta and Bcl-2-associated death promoter, respectively. We also found that expression of SGK3, which like AKT is activated by PI3K/PDK1 signaling, has more significance than overexpression of AKT in predicting poor outcome in HCC patients. Taken together, our findings in the present study suggests that the SGK3 pathway may function in parallel with the AKT pathway and undergoes an AKT-independent signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of HCC. Further characterization of SGK3 may provide a prognostic biomarker for HCC outcome prediction and a novel therapeutic target in HCC treatment.
Assessing carrageenan‐induced locomotor activity impairment in rats: Comparison with evoked endpoint of acute inflammatory pain
Authors: Zhu C.Z. , Mills C.D. , Hsieh G.C. , Zhong C. , Mikusa J. , Lewis L.G. , Gauvin D. , Lee C‐H. , Decker M.W. , Bannon A.W. , Rueter L.E. , Joshi S.K.
Published: January 2012

Background

Most animal models currently used to evaluate antinociceptive efficacy of analgesics rely on the assessment of evoked pain behaviours as primary endpoints.

Mehtods

Here, we have developed and characterized the carrageenaninduced locomotor activity impairment (CLAIM) model to objectively assess non‐evoked inflammatory pain behaviour in rats. In this model, 100 µL of 1% carrageenan was subcutaneously injected into the plantar aspect of the right hind paw and exploratory behaviour in the novel testing chamber was recorded using an automated locomotor activity system.

Results

Carrageenan‐injected animals exhibited an exploratory behavioural deficit 2–7 h following injection compared to saline‐injected animals. The severity of impairment was carrageenan dose related, and sensitive to the light intensity in the testing room. The effects of standard analgesics on CLAIM were examined 2 or 3 h following carrageenan injection. Diclofenac and ibuprofen, in a dose range exerting no effect on locomotor activity in naïve rats, exhibited dose‐related reversal of CLAIM (ED50 = 1.5 and 5.0 mg/kg, respectively), with comparable efficacy on carrageenan‐induced thermal hyperalgesia (ED50 = 2.0 and 6.0 mg/kg, respectively). Gabapentin and duloxetine produced no reversal of CLAIM, or attenuation of thermal hyperalgesia. Efficacy discrepancy was noted for morphine on thermal hyperalgesia and CLAIM. Additionally, amphetamine dose dependently reversed CLAIM, and similarly increased locomotor activity in normal animals.

Discussion and Conclusion

The results presented here demonstrate that CLAIM provides an objective assessment of non‐evoked pain behaviours for acute inflammatory pain. The pharmacological profile of standard analgesics supports that CLAIM model can be used to identify agents to treat acute inflammatory pain in the clinic.
Metaboloepigenetics: Interrelationships between energy metabolism and epigenetic control of gene expression
Authors: Donohoe Dallas R. , Bultman Scott J.
Published: January 2012

Diet and energy metabolism affect gene expression, which influences human health and disease. Here, we discuss the role of epigenetics as a mechanistic link between energy metabolism and control of gene expression. A number of key energy metabolites including SAM, acetyl‐CoA, NAD+, and ATP serve as essential co‐factors for many, perhaps most, epigenetic enzymes that regulate DNA methylation, posttranslational histone modifications, and nucleosome position. The relative abundance of these energy metabolites allows a cell to sense its energetic state. And as co‐factors, energy metabolites act as rheostats to modulate the activity of epigenetic enzymes and upregulate/downregulate transcription as appropriate to maintain homeostasis. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 3169–3177, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Math anxiety, self‐efficacy, and ability in British undergraduate nursing students
Authors: McMullan Miriam , Jones Ray , Lea Susan
Published: January 2012

Nurses need to be able to make drug calculations competently. In this study, involving 229 second year British nursing students, we explored the influence of mathematics anxiety, self‐efficacy, and numerical ability on drug calculation ability and determined which factors would best predict this skill. Strong significant relationships (p < .001) existed between anxiety, self‐efficacy, and ability. Students who failed the numerical and/or drug calculation ability tests were more anxious (p < .001) and less confident (p ≤ .002) in performing calculations than those who passed. Numerical ability made the strongest unique contribution in predicting drug calculation ability (beta = 0.50, p < .001) followed by drug calculation self‐efficacy (beta = 0.16, p = .04). Early testing is recommended for basic numerical skills. Faculty are advised to refresh students' numerical skills before introducing drug calculations. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 35:178–186, 2012
Optimisation of Ultrasound‐assisted Extraction of Puerarin and Total Isoflavones from Puerariae Lobatae Radix (Pueraria lobata (Wild.) Ohwi) with Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Wu Yanfang , Wang Xinsheng , Fan Enguo
Published: January 2012

Introduction

Isoflavones, particularly puerarin, are a group of important components from Puerariae Lobatae Radix (PLR) which show diverse pharmacological activities, therefore giving rise to the development of various extraction methods. Ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE) has been explored for isoflavone extraction from PLR as it provides higher extraction efficiency compared with traditional methods.

Objective

To optimise the UAE conditions for puerarin and total isoflavone extraction from PLR using response surface methodology (RSM).

Methodology

Samples were prepared by use of ultrasound‐assisted extraction, and then subjected to HPLC analysis. Box–Behnken Design (BBD), a widely used form of RSM, was used for the optimisation of the UAE process.

Results

The effects of ethanol concentration, extraction time and the solvent‐to‐material ratio on the yields of puerarin and total isoflavones were investigated. The Box–Behnken experimental results demonstrate that optimal extraction was obtained with an ethanol concentration of 71.35%, an extraction time of 49.08 min and a solvent‐to‐material ratio of 21.72 for puerarin, and an ethanol concentration of 80.00%, an extraction time of 55.00 min and a solvent‐to‐material ratio of 12.81 for total isoflavones. The yields of puerarin and total isoflavones were 41 ± 0.63 mg/g and 128 ± 0.82 mg/g, respectively, under the optimised extraction conditions, which are in agreement with the values predicted by the RSM.

Conclusion

The RSM allows for optimising the extraction parameters such that maximum extraction of puerarin and total isoflavones was achieved experimentally. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A systematic review of validated methods for identifying atrial fibrillation using administrative data
Authors: Jensen Paul N. , Johnson Karin , Floyd James , Heckbert Susan R. , Carnahan Ryan , Dublin Sascha
Published: January 2012

Purpose

The objectives of this study were to characterize the validity of algorithms to identify AF from electronic health data through a systematic review of the literature and to identify gaps needing further research.

Methods

Two reviewers examined publications during 1997–2008 that identified patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) from electronic health data and provided validation information. We abstracted information including algorithm sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV).

Results

We reviewed 544 abstracts and 281 full‐text articles, of which 18 provided validation information from 16 unique studies. Most used data from before 2000, and 10 of 16 used only inpatient data. Three studies incorporated electronic ECG data for case identification or validation. A large proportion of prevalent AF cases identified by ICD‐9 code 427.31 were valid (PPV 70%–96%, median 89%). Seven studies reported algorithm sensitivity (range, 57%–95%, median 79%). One study validated an algorithm for incident AF and reported a PPV of 77%.

Conclusions

The ICD‐9 code 427.31 performed relatively well, but conclusions about algorithm validity are hindered by few recent data, use of nonrepresentative populations, and a disproportionate focus on inpatient data. An optimal contemporary algorithm would likely draw on inpatient and outpatient codes and electronic ECG data. Additional research is needed in representative, contemporary populations regarding algorithms that identify incident AF and incorporate electronic ECG data. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mini‐Sentinel's systematic reviews of validated methods for identifying health outcomes using administrative and claims data: methods and lessons learned
Authors: Carnahan Ryan M. , Moores Kevin G.
Published: January 2012

Purpose

To overview the methods used in the Mini‐Sentinel systematic reviews of validation studies of algorithms to identify health outcomes in administrative and claims data and to describe lessons learned in the development of search strategies, including their ability to identify articles from previous systematic reviews which used different search strategies.

Methods

Literature searches were conducted using PubMed and the citation database of the Iowa Drug Information Service. Embase was searched for some outcomes. The searches were based on a strategy developed by the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership (OMOP) researchers. All citations were reviewed by two investigators. Exclusion criteria were applied at abstract and full‐text review stages to ultimately identify algorithm validation studies that used data sources from the USA or Canada, as the results of these studies were considered most likely to generalize to Mini‐Sentinel data. Nonvalidated algorithms were reviewed if fewer than five algorithm validation studies were identified.

Results

The results of this project are described in the separate articles and reports written on algorithms to identify each outcome of interest.

Conclusions

The Mini‐Sentinel systematic reviews of algorithms to identify health outcomes in administrative and claims data are expected to be relatively complete, despite some limitations. Algorithm validation studies are inconsistently indexed in PubMed, creating challenges in conducting systematic reviews of these studies. Google Scholar searches, which can perform text word searches of electronically available articles, are suggested as a strategy to identify studies that are not captured through searches of standard citation databases. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.