bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on Artillery Target Size Determination Method Considering Ballistic and Terrain Characteristics
Authors: Kim Juhee , Sung Kieun
Published: June 2024

This study proposes a method for determining the optimal target size for an artillery range considering ballistics and environmental conditions. To this end, the size of the probable error of each type of ammunition and charge determined during shooting were considered, and the effect of the firing position and target terrain characteristics on the target size was analyzed. In conclusion, the size of the target increased as the range increased, and a larger target size was required for the DPICM than for the general high explosive. Accordingly, the optimal target size must be determined by considering various factors such as topographical characteristics, shooting position location, and shooting range safety standards.
A Simulator Development of Surface Warship Torpedo Defense System considering Bubble-Generating Wake Decoy
Authors: Kim Wooshik , Shin Myoungin , Park Jisung , Bae Ho Seuk
Published: June 2024

The wake-homing underwater guided weapon that detects and tracks wake generated during voyage of a surface ship is impossible to avoid with the present acoustic deception torpedo defense system. Therefore, research on bubble-generating wake decoy is necessary to deceive wake-homing underwater guided weapon. Experiments in various environments are required to verify the effective operation method and performance of the wake decoy, but performance verification through underwater experiment is limited. In this paper, we develop a simulator for an torpedo defense system of surface ship, which is applied bubble-generating wake decoy, against acoustic, wake, and hybrid homing underwater guided weapon attack. The simulator includes surface ship model, acoustic decoy(static, mobile) model, bubble-generating wake decoy model, search and motion model of underwater guided weapon and so on. By integrating various models, MATLAB GUI simulator was developed. Through the simulation results for various environmental variables by this simulator, it is judged that effective operation method and performance verification of the bubble-generating wake decoy can be performed.
Nonlinear system modeling and identification using Volterra‐PARAFAC models
Authors: Favier Gérard , Kibangou Alain Y. , Bouilloc Thomas
Published: September 2011

Discrete‐time Volterra models are widely used in various application areas. Their usefulness is mainly because of their ability to approximate to an arbitrary precision any fading memory nonlinear system and to their property of linearity with respect to parameters, the kernels coefficients. The main drawback of these models is their parametric complexity implying the need to estimate a huge number of parameters. Considering Volterra kernels of order higher than two as symmetric tensors, we use a parallel factor (PARAFAC) decomposition of the kernels to derive Volterra‐PARAFAC models that induce a substantial parametric complexity reduction. We show that these models are equivalent to a set of Wiener models in parallel. We also show that Volterra kernel expansions onto orthonormal basis functions (OBF) can be viewed as Tucker models that we shall call Volterra‐OBF‐Tucker models. Finally, we propose three adaptive algorithms for identifying Volterra‐PARAFAC models when input–output signals are complex‐valued: the extended complex Kalman filter, the complex least mean square (CLMS) algorithm and the normalized CLMS algorithm. Some simulation results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed identification methods. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Absorption of Nitrogen at Al/Al2O3 Interfaces in Al Nanocomposites: A Computational Analysis
Authors: Ma Kaka , Lavernia Enrique J. , Schoenung Julie M.
Published: September 2011

The presence of nitrogen in nanostructured aluminum composites milled in liquid nitrogen has been argued to be responsible for reported property improvements, such as high strength and thermal stability. However, it has been experimentally difficult to precisely determine the nature of the nitride phases that form given their small scale (e.g., nm) and limited volume fraction. Moreover, the mechanism by which the nitrogen molecules are absorbed into the aluminum lattice during the cryomilling process remains poorly understood, and experimental studies are often constrained by resolution limits. In this paper, the absorption of nitrogen in Al‐alloy composites during cryomilling is investigated from a computational perspective with the aid of the molecular dynamics simulation function in Materials Studio® software. Results indicate that Mg solute atoms in the matrix tend to segregate to Al/Al2O3 interfaces, creating vacancies in the Al lattice and subsequently enhancing the absorption of nitrogen into the Al lattice. The simulations also reveal that not only free N atoms but also N2 molecules can be absorbed into the Al lattice by occupying an Al vacancy. In addition, it is demonstrated that a structural defect, i.e., the presence of vacancies regardless of their source, is a requirement for enhanced absorption of nitrogen in the Al lattice.
Controllable Underwater Oil‐Adhesion‐Interface Films Assembled from Nonspherical Particles
Authors: Huang Yu , Liu Mingjie , Wang Jingxia , Zhou Jinming , Wang Libin , Song Yanlin , Jiang Lei
Published: September 2011

A controllable underwater oil‐adhesion‐interface is presented based on colloidal crystals assembled from nonspherical latex particles. The underwater oil‐adhesive force of the as‐prepared film can be effectively controlled from high to low adhesion by varying the latex structures from spherical or cauliflower‐like to single cavity, which effectively adjusts the solid/liquid contact mode/wetting state of oil droplets on the films. This facile fabrication of functional films with special underwater oil‐adhesion properties based on a flexible design of a latex structure will offer significant insight for the design and creation of novel underwater antifouling materials.
Tailored temozolomide therapy according to MGMT methylation status for elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Medeiros Bruno C. , Kohrt Holbrook E. , Gotlib Jason , Coutre Steven E. , Zhang Bingyang , Arber Daniel A. , Zehnder James L.
Published: September 2011

Temozolomide sensitivity is determined by methylation of the O6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter. This study assessed whether the temozolomide dose can be tailored by MGMT promoter status and whether protracted, low‐dose temozolomide can “prime” blasts in patients with unmethylated MGMT (unMGMT). Elderly patients with high‐risk AML were stratified by MGMT methylation. Patients with methylated MGMT (mMGMT) received temozolomide 200 mg/m2 orally for 7 days every 4 weeks, while patients with unMGMT received temozolomide 100 mg/m2 orally for 14 days followed by 200 mg/m2 orally for 7 days every 6weeks. Of 36 patients (median age, 75 years), 31 (86%) had an unMGMT promoter. Overall response rate for the entire cohort was 36%. Patients with mMGMT and unMGMT had similar response rates (40% vs. 29%). Median duration of response and overall survival (OS) among responders were 29 and 35 weeks, respectively. Induction deaths (ID) occurred in 25% of patients, mostly caused by disease progression. Hematological toxicities were the most common adverse event. Toxicities were similar between patients on conventional versus protracted schedules. High HCT‐CI scores were predictive of lower CR rate, higher ID, and shorter OS, while bone marrow blast count <50% at screening predicted for improved responses. Temozolomide, dosed according to MGMT methylation status, demonstrated modest clinical activity in elderly patients with AML, especially in those presenting with fewer comorbidities and low disease burden. The trial was registered on www.ClinicalTrials.gov as #NCT00611247. Am. J. Hematol., 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Company Characteristics and Environmental Policy
Authors: Galani Despina , Gravas Efthymios , Stavropoulos Antonios
Published: September 2011

This paper investigates the relationship between various firm characteristics and environmental disclosures. Our findings evidence that firms with higher environmental ratings present a statistically significant larger size, belong to more environmentally sensitive industries as compared with firms with lower environmental ratings and disclose environmental information according to GRI guidelines. However, neither profitability nor listing status seems to explain differences in environmental disclosure practices between Greek companies. The most influential variable for explaining firms' variation in environmental ratings is size, followed by GRI reporting and industry membership. This study adds to the international research on environmental disclosure by providing empirical data from a country, Greece, where empirical evidence is still relatively unknown, extending the scope of the current understanding of the environmental reporting practices. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Corporate Ecological Responsiveness: Antecedent Effects of Institutional Pressure and Top Management Commitment and Their Impact on Organizational Performance
Authors: Colwell Scott R. , Joshi Ashwin W.
Published: September 2011

Institutional theory argues that conformity to institutional pressure enhances the survival probability of organizations. Two key limitations of institutional theory have been proposed in recent literature: one, that it ignores the role of top management, and two, that it focuses only on survival as a benefit to the exclusion of more strategic benefits such as growth and profitability. In this research, we build a conceptual model that addresses both of these limitations in the context of institutional pressure on organizations to behave more responsibly vis‐à‐vis the natural environment. Results from a survey of 199 manufacturing firms show that the relationship between institutional pressure and corporate responsiveness to the pressure (i.e. corporate environmental responsiveness) is enhanced when top management commitment to the environment is high. Moreover, results show that organizational conformity to institutional pressure enhances the strategic benefits that organizations receive. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
The Potential Environmental Benefits of Co‐Operative Businesses Within the Climate Change Agenda
Authors: Baranchenko Yevhen , Oglethorpe David
Published: September 2011

The economic benefits of agricultural co‐operatives are well rehearsed and have received significant attention in the literature, especially in regard to the resource efficiencies flowing from collective action that might be absent from investor‐owned firms. This article provides evidence to show how these resource efficiencies might also manifest themselves as environmental advantages, which may not be available through investor‐owned firms due to the different purpose of, and motivation for, business activity. Specifically, the article explores how co‐operative businesses may deliver climate change benefits by examining case studies of alternative co‐operative functions that provide a mix of qualitative and quantitative evidence. Results show that, where co‐operative businesses achieve efficiencies through economies of scale, knowledge and skills transfer, sharing of risks and other means, this can also lead to coincidental reductions in greenhouse gas emissions that may not be achieved if investor‐owned activity prevails. Whilst coincidental at present, the future exploitation of this phenomenon could lead to valuable market advantage or aid sustainable development policy. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Evapotranspiration and land cover transitions: long‐term watershed response in recovering forested ecosystems
Authors: Naranjo Jose Agustin Breña , Stahl Kerstin , Weiler Markus
Published: September 2011

Changes of the land surface affect the water balance components over seasonal, annual and decadal time scales. This study explored the role of vegetation cover transitions on evapotranspiration in forested watersheds of the North American West. We applied empirical time‐recovery functions describing the impact of forest removal and subsequent regrowth on actual evapotranspiration (AET) or runoff. A generalized function (K‐curve) was adapted to the North American West and tested using three different datasets of observed or estimated AET in forest chronosequences: AET from flux towers equipped with eddy covariance sensors, AET estimated from the water balance in experimental paired watersheds and in a set of gauged watersheds with considerable forest cover history dating back to the 18th century. AET from the first two datasets showed a behaviour similar to the K‐curve, although the timing and the magnitude differed substantially. To reconstruct long‐term changes in AET for the gauged watersheds, we applied a transfer function approach linking the K‐curve and the reconstructed forest cover history at the watershed scale. In several watersheds, correlation coefficients between the reconstructed AET changes and the annual water balances suggest that changes in time were driven by the land cover transitions. In watersheds with low correlations, disturbance activities peaked before the 20th century, and the effects of vegetation have phased out in the period of streamflow observations. The findings of this paper suggest that trends in the observed water balance in forested watersheds can be associated to land cover disturbances well before the start of hydro‐climatic observations. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Organocatalyzed Cascade Reactions of Cyclic β‐Enamino Esters and α,β‐Unsaturated Aldehydes Leading to Indoloquinolizidines and Benzoquinolizidines
Authors: Wu Xiaoyu , Nie Linlin , Fang Huihui , Chen Jie , Cao Weiguo , Zhao Gang
Published: September 2011

Organocatalyzed cascade reactions between cyclic β‐enamino esters and α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes have been developed. They provide highly substituted indolo[2,3‐a]quinolizidines and benzo[a]quinolizidines in moderate to good yields and with good to excellent enantioselectivities. Both aromatic and aliphatic α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes react readily with enamino esters to furnish the desired products.
Directional ground relay failure caused by line‐to‐ground with load‐side broken conductor fault
Authors: Brenna Morris , Foiadelli Federica , Sapienza Gianluca , Zaninelli Dario
Published: September 2011

Classic power system fault analysis considers canonic situations, such as three‐phase, line‐to‐line, double line‐to‐ground and line‐to‐ground faults. However, in practice, other faults occur that may be undetected by the protection systems. For example, a fault happens when a line conductor breaks and falls to the ground at the load side in a radial distribution network. This particular fault is called the “line‐to‐ground with broken conductor fault”. The aim of this work is a deep analysis of this particular contingency. In the first part, the proposed theory based on symmetrical components transformation is presented. Subsequently, the study of a MV radial distribution test network is considered in order to show the protection trip failure conditions. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Systematic screen for tyrosine kinase rearrangements identifies a novel C6orf204‐PDGFRB fusion in a patient with recurrent T‐ALL and an associated myeloproliferative neoplasm
Authors: Chmielecki Juliann , Peifer Martin , Viale Agnes , Hutchinson Katherine , Giltnane Jennifer , Socci Nicholas D. , Hollis Clayton J. , Dean Rebecca S. , Yenamandra Ashwini , Jagasia Madan , Kim Annette S. , Davé Utpal P. , Thomas Roman K. , Pao William
Published: September 2011

Gene fusions involving the catalytic domain of tyrosine kinases (TKs) are found in a variety of hematological and solid tumor malignancies. Clinically, TK fusions have emerged as prime targets for therapy with small molecule kinase inhibitors. Unfortunately, identification of TK fusions has been hampered by experimental limitations. Here, we developed version 2.0 of a genomically based systematic kinase fusion screen and used it to detect a novel imatinib‐sensitive C6orf204‐PDGFRB fusion in a patient with precursor T lymphoblastic lymphoma (T‐ALL) and an associated myeloproliferative neoplasm with eosinophilia. These data validate the ability of this targeted capture‐sequencing approach to detect TK fusion events in small amounts of DNA extracted directly from patient samples. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Increasing the accuracy of electromagnetic inverses using functional area source correlation constraints
Authors: Cottereau Benoit R. , Ales Justin M. , Norcia Anthony M.
Published: September 2011

Estimating cortical current distributions from electroencephalographic (EEG) or magnetoencephalographic data is a difficult inverse problem whose solution can be improved by the addition of priors on the associated neural responses. In the context of visual activation studies, we propose a new approach that uses a functional area constrained estimator (FACE) to increase the accuracy of the reconstructions. It derives the source correlation matrix from a segmentation of the cortex into areas defined by retinotopic maps of the visual field or by functional localizers obtained independently by fMRI. These areas are computed once for each individual subject and the associated estimators can therefore be reused for any new study on the same participant. The resulting FACE reconstructions emphasize the activity of sources within these areas or enforce their intercorrelations. We used realistic Monte‐Carlo simulations to demonstrate that this approach improved our estimates of a diverse set of source configurations. Reconstructions obtained from a real EEG dataset demonstrate that our priors improve the localization of the cortical areas involved in horizontal disparity processing. Hum Brain Mapp, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
THE RESPONSES OF YOUTH TO A CASH TRANSFER CONDITIONAL ON SCHOOLING: A QUASI‐EXPERIMENTAL STUDY
Authors: Humlum Maria Knoth , Vejlin Rune Majlund
Published: September 2011

We estimate the effect of cash transfers given to youth conditional on high school attendance on the labor supply decisions and academic performance of youth. We exploit differences in the size of the total transfer received based on timing of birth to identify the causal effects of interest. Specifically, individuals born late in a quarter receive a larger total transfer than comparable individuals born early in the following quarter. We find that the transfer increases the labor market participation of youth and the number of months worked. The estimated effect is larger for individuals from low‐income families. The results suggest that some youths are borrowing constrained. Since we find no evidence of corresponding effects on academic performance, alleviating the constraint appears only to affect consumption decisions and not human capital investment. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhancement of cell–cell contact by claudin‐4 in renal epithelial madin‐darby canine kidney cells
Authors: Ikari Akira , Atomi Kosuke , Takiguchi Ayumi , Yamazaki Yasuhiro , Hayashi Hisayoshi , Hirakawa Jotaro , Sugatani Junko
Published: September 2011

Claudin‐4 regulates ion permeability via a paracellular pathway in renal epithelial cells, but its other physiological functions have not been examined. We found that hyperosmotic stress increases claudin‐4 expression in Madin‐Darby canine kidney cells. Here, we examined whether claudin‐4 affects cell motility, cell association, and the intracellular distribution of endogenous junctional proteins. Doxycycline‐inducible expression of claudin‐4 did not change endogenous levels of claudin‐1, claudin‐2, claudin‐3, occludin, E‐cadherin, and ZO‐1. Claudin‐4 overexpression increased cell association and decreased cell migration without affecting cell proliferation. Doxycycline did not change cell junctional protein levels, cell association or cell migration in mock‐transfected cells. The insolubility of claudin‐1 and ‐3 in Triton X‐100 was increased by claudin‐4 overexpression, but that of claudin‐2, occludin, ZO‐1, and E‐cadherin was unchanged. Immunocytochemistry showed that claudin‐4 overexpression increases the accumulation of claudin‐1 and ‐3 in tight junctions (TJs). Furthermore, claudin‐4 overexpression increased the association of claudin‐4 with claudin‐1 and ‐3. These results suggest that claudin‐4 accumulates claudin‐1 and ‐3 in TJs to enhance cell–cell contact in renal tubular epithelial cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 499–507, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Glycosilated nucleolin as marker for human gliomas
Authors: Galzio R. , Rosati F. , Benedetti E. , Cristiano L. , Aldi S. , Mei S. , D'Angelo B. , Gentile R. , Laurenti G. , Cifone M.G. , Giordano A. , Cimini A.
Published: September 2011

Nucleolin is a multifunctional DNA and RNA binding protein involved in regulation of gene transcription, chromatin remodeling, RNA metabolism, and ribosomal RNA synthesis. Nucleolin seems to be over‐expressed in highly proliferative cells and is involved in many aspect of gene expression: DNA recombination and replication, RNA transcription by RNA polymerase I and II, rRNA processing, mRNA stabilization, cytokinesis, and apoptosis. Although nucleolin is localized predominantly in the nucleolus, it has also been shown to be localized in a phosphorylated/glycolsilated form on the cell surface of different cells. Numerous articles dealing with surface nucleolin targeting for tumor therapy have been recently published. However, at present, no extensive informations are so far available for the presence of nucleolin in human gliomas. In the present work we investigated on the presence and localization of nucleolin in glioma on glioma specimens at different grade of malignancy and on primary glioma cell cultures derived by surgical resection, trying to correlate the presence of glycosilated membrane nucleolin with the malignancy grade. To this purpose an antibody produced by us against gp273 protein, demonstrated to recognized the glycosilated surface nucleolin, has been used. The results obtained demonstrate that surface nucleolin increase with the malignancy grade thus suggesting that it may constitute a histopathological marker for glioma grading and a possible tool for targeted therapy. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 571–579, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The role of osteocyte apoptosis in cancer chemotherapy‐induced bone loss
Authors: Shandala Tetyana , Shen Ng Yeap , Hopwood Blair , Yip Yuen‐Ching , Foster Bruce K. , Xian Cory J.
Published: September 2011

Intensive cancer chemotherapy leads to significant bone loss, the underlying mechanism of which remains unclear. The objective of this study was to elucidate mechanisms for effect of the commonly used anti‐metabolite methotrexate (MTX) on osteocytes and on general bone homeostasis. The current study in juvenile rats showed that MTX chemotherapy caused a 4.3‐fold increase in the number of apoptotic osteocytes in tibial metaphysis, which was accompanied by a 1.8‐fold increase in the number of tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase‐positive bone resorbing osteoclasts, and a 35% loss of trabecular bone. This was associated with an increase in transcription of the osteoclastogenic cytokines IL‐6 (10‐fold) and IL‐11 (2‐fold). Moreover, the metaphyseal bone of MTX‐treated animals exhibited a 37.6% increase in the total number of osteocytes, along with 4.9‐fold higher expression of the DMP‐1 transcript. In cultured osteocyte‐like MLO‐Y4 cells, MTX treatment significantly increased caspase‐3‐mediated apoptosis, which was accompanied by the formation of plasma membrane‐born apoptotic bodies and an increase in IL‐6 (24‐fold) and IL‐11 (29‐fold) mRNA expression. Conditioned media derived from MTX‐treated MLO‐Y4 cells was twice as strong as untreated media in its capacity to induce osteoclast formation in primary bone marrow osteoclast precursors. Thus, our in vivo and in vitro data suggested that MTX‐induced apoptosis of osteocytes caused higher recruitment of DMP‐1 positive osteocytes and increased osteoclast formation, which could contribute towards the loss of bone homeostasis in vivo. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 2889–2897, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Grayscale and Doppler sonographic evaluation of response to in utero treatment of hydrops fetalis caused by extralobar pulmonary sequestration
Authors: Yoshitomi Tomoyuki , Hidaka Nobuhiro , Yumoto Yasuo , Fukushima Kotaro , Tsukimori Kiyomi , Wake Norio
Published: September 2011

Pulmonary sequestration is defined as nonfunctional lung tissue that lacks communication with the bronchial tree and that is supplied by an anomalous systemic vessel. In comparatively rare cases, pulmonary sequestration may lead to hydrothorax or hydrops fetalis, which is nearly universally fatal. In this report, we describe a case of pulmonary sequestration with hydrops fetalis, which was successfully treated by thoracoamniotic shunting. A sonographic Doppler study in this case suggested that the underlying mechanism of the hydropic change in a fetus with extralobar pulmonary sequestration may have differed from that in fetuses with primary hydrothorax not associated with a structural anomaly. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2011;
Preparation and characterization of affinity sorbents based on isoalloxazine‐like ligands for separation of flavoenzymes
Authors: Xin Yu , Yang Hailin , Xiao Xiaole , Zhang Ling , Zhang Yuran , Tong Yanjun , Wang Wu
Published: September 2011

Affinity ligands for flavoenzymes were synthesized based on the natural structure of flavo‐coenzymes. Two typical flavoenzymes, cholesterol oxidase from Brevibacterium sp. and xanthine oxidase from bovine milk, were employed as standard enzymes. Fluorescent probes were synthesized from eight isoalloxazine‐like chemicals and 5‐aminofluorescein. Probe–enzyme interactions were analyzed via fluorescence spectra. Chemicals with high binding abilities to flavoenzymes were coupled with Sepharose through spacers composed of epichlorohydrin, ethylenediamine, 1,3‐diaminopropane, 2‐hydroxy‐1,3‐diaminopropane, and 1,4‐diaminobutane, and subjected to adsorption analysis with flavoenzymes. The results indicated that ligands synthesized from 2,4‐dioxohexahydropyrimidine‐5‐carboxylic acid, cytosine, 7‐chloroalloxazine, and 8‐chloroalloxazine had high binding abilities to the flavoenzymes. The affinity sorbent based on these ligands revealed a high theoretical maximum adsorption (Qmax). Protein and bioactivity recoveries were tested after one step of affinity binding via chromatographic analysis on small columns. Results showed that ligands linked with sorbents through long hydrophilic spacers had higher activity recoveries.
On the bidual of quasinormable Fréchet algebras
Authors: Podara Christina P.
Published: September 2011

It is known that the bidual of a quasinormable Fréchet spaceEwith local Banach spaces\documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$(E_n)_{n\in {\mathbb N}}$\end{document}is topologically isomorphic to the inverse limit of\documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$\big (E_n^{\prime \prime }\big )_{n\in {\mathbb N}}$\end{document}. With the aid of the Arens product and by homological means, we prove that the previous result is equally valid for quasinormable Fréchet m‐convex algebras. This allows showing that the bidual of a σ‐C*‐algebra equipped with the Arens product is a σ‐C*‐algebra and presenting a new direct proof of a result on acyclic spectra due to Palamodov.
Significant CMAP decrement by repetitive nerve stimulation is more frequent in median than ulnar nerves of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Yamashita Satoshi , Sakaguchi Hideya , Mori Akira , Kimura En , Maeda Yasushi , Hirano Teruyuki , Uchino Makoto
Published: September 2011

Introduction: Several studies have shown a significant amplitude decrement in compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) on repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) of muscles involved in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).In ALS, muscle wasting preferentially affects the thenar muscles (APB) rather than the hypothenar muscles (ADM). Methods: We performed RNS studies in the APB and ADM muscles of 32 ALS patients to determine whether the effect of RNS differs between the median and ulnar nerves. Results: The decremental responses to RNS were greater in the APB than in the ADM. Reduced CMAP amplitude was negatively correlated with CMAP decrement in median but not in ulnar nerves. Conclusions: The greater CMAP decrement in median nerve is attributable to preferential involvement of the APB in the pathophysiology of ALS or some underlying difference in the biology of the two muscles/nerves. Further investigations will better our understanding of the pathophysiology of ALS. Muscle Nerve, 2012
Utilization of the iPad Application: Aid for Decision‐making in Occupation Choice
Authors: Tomori Kounosuke , Uezu Sei , Kinjo Syota , Ogahara Kakuya , Nagatani Ryutaro , Higashi Toshio
Published: September 2011

The purpose of the study was to develop and evaluate an iPad (Apple) application, Aid for Decision‐making in Occupation Choice (ADOC), so as to promote shared decision‐making in an occupation‐based goal setting. This application involves the client choosing from 94 illustrations describing daily activities related to the category of “activities and participation”. One hundred occupational therapy clients evaluated the ADOC for goal setting; the clients and 37 occupational therapists underwent a survey to determine their perceptions of decision‐making in the goal setting. More than 90% of the clients felt that they could give their opinions using the ADOC regarding goal setting. The majority of the occupational therapists (>90%) felt that ADOC would be useful in their clinical practice for setting client goals. The results indicated that ADOC is a useful and acceptable tool for both clients and occupational therapists in shared decision‐making in occupation‐based goal setting. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mathematics intervention for prevention of neurocognitive deficits in childhood leukemia
Authors: Moore (Ki) Ida M. , Hockenberry Marilyn J. , Anhalt Cynthia , McCarthy Kathy , Krull Kevin R.
Published: September 2011

Background

Despite evidence that CNS treatment is associated with cognitive and academic impairment, interventions to prevent or mitigate these problems are limited. The purpose was to determine if early intervention can prevent declines in mathematics abilities.

Procedures

Fifty‐seven children with ALL were enrolled and randomized to a Mathematics Intervention or Standard Care. Subjects completed neurocognitive assessments prior to the intervention, post‐intervention, and 1 year later. Parents received written results and recommendations for use with their school. The Mathematics Intervention was based on Multiple Representation Theory and delivered individually over 1 year.

Results

Thirty‐two of 57 subjects completed the study and were included in data analyses. These 32 subjects completed all neurocognitive assessments and, for those in the Intervention Group, 40–50 hours of the Mathematics Intervention. There were no group differences on relevant demographic variables; risk stratification; number of intrathecal methotrexate injections; or high dose systemic methotrexate. Significant improvements in calculation and applied mathematics from Baseline to Post‐Intervention (P = 0.003 and 0.002, respectively) and in visual working memory from Baseline to 1 year Follow‐up (P = 0.02) were observed in the Intervention but not the Standard Care Group. Results from repeated measures ANOVA demonstrated significant between group differences for applied mathematics [F(2,29) = 12.47, P < 0.001] and visual working memory [F(2,29) = 5.53, P = 0.009].

Conclusions

The Mathematics Intervention improved mathematics abilities and visual working memory compared to standard care. Future studies are needed to translate the Mathematics Intervention into a “virtual” delivery method more readily available to parents and children. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012;59:278–284. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Recent Research Progress in Burning Rate Catalysts
Authors: Gao Jing‐min , Wang Li , Yu Hao‐jie , Xiao An‐guo , Ding Wen‐bing
Published: September 2011

Burning rate catalysts are one of the most important components of rocket propellants and are able to enhance solid propellant burning rates. There are several kinds of burning rate catalysts such as nanometal burning rate catalysts, nanometal oxide burning rate catalysts, compound burning rate catalysts, ferrocene and its derivatives burning rate catalysts, and so on. This article reviews the recent research processes in burning rate catalysts.
Structures and Properties Prediction of HMX/TATB Co‐Crystal
Authors: Wei Chunxue , Huang Hui , Duan Xiaohui , Pei Chonghua
Published: September 2011

In this study, a new co‐crystal explosive of 1,3,5,7‐tetranitro‐1,3,5,7‐tetrazocane (HMX)/1,3,5‐triamino‐2,4,6‐trinitrobenzene (TATB) (molar ratio 1 : 1) was designed based on crystal engineering. The crystal structure was predicted using the polymorph predictor (PP) method. The main properties of co‐crystal consisting of mechanical properties, stability, and interaction formats were simulated through molecular dynamics methods. Simulated results indicate that the crystal structure of the HMX/TATB co‐crystal may belong to the P$\bar 1$, P212121 or P21/c space group. The calculations of the binding energy and the analysis for radial distribution function show that the two components are connected through electrostatic hydrogen bonding and strong van der Waals interactions. The new co‐crystal has better mechanical properties with the moduli systematically decreased. With the appearance of the new crystal, the trigger bond NNO2 has little change.
Electric‐field‐induced optical absorption and refractive‐index changes of a shallow hydrogenic impurity in an InAs/GaAs quantum wire
Authors: Arunachalam N. , Peter A. J. , Yoo C. K.
Published: September 2011

The effect of electric‐field strength on the binding energy of a hydrogenic impurity in an InAs/GaAs quantum wire is discussed. Calculations have been performed using Bessel functions as an orthonormal basis within a single‐band effective‐mass approximation. The electric‐field‐induced photoionization cross section of the hydrogenic impurity is investigated. The total optical absorption and the refractive‐index changes as a function of normalized photon energy between the ground and the first excited state under the influence of an electric field are analyzed. The optical absorption coefficients and the refractive‐index changes strongly depend on the incident optical intensity and the electric‐field intensity.
A new method to obtain ultimate bounds and convergence rates for perturbed time‐delay systems
Authors: Quan Quan , Cai Kai‐Yuan
Published: September 2011

A new method is proposed to determine the ultimate bounds and the convergence rates for perturbed time‐delay systems when the Lyapunov–Krasovskii functionals and their derivatives are available. Compared with existing methods, the proposed method is more concise, more widely applicable, and the obtained results are less conservative. To show the three features, the proposed method is applied to improve three existing results, respectively. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An integrated fault diagnosis and safe‐parking framework for fault‐tolerant control of nonlinear systems
Authors: Du Miao , Nease Jake , Mhaskar Prashant
Published: September 2011

In this work, we consider the problem of designing an integrated fault diagnosis and fault‐handling framework to deal with actuator faults in nonlinear systems. A model‐based fault diagnosis design is first proposed, which can not only identify the failed actuator but also estimate the fault magnitude. The fault information is obtained by estimating the outputs of the actuators and comparing them with the corresponding prescribed control inputs. This methodology is developed under state feedback control and generalized to deal with state estimation errors. Then the safe‐parking framework developed previously (to handle the case where the failed actuator reverts to a known fixed value) for fault‐tolerant control is extended to handle the case where an actuator seizes at an arbitrary value. The estimate of the failed actuator position provided by the fault diagnosis design is used to choose a safe‐park point, at which the system operates temporarily during fault repair, from those generated offline for a series of design values of the failed actuator position. The discrepancy between the actual value of the failed actuator position and the corresponding design value is handled through the robustness of the control design. The efficacy of the integrated fault diagnosis and safe‐parking framework is demonstrated through a chemical reactor example. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamics of contact line motion during the wetting of rough surfaces and correlation with topographical surface parameters
Authors: Kubiak K. J. , Wilson M. C. T. , Mathia T. G. , Carras S.
Published: September 2011

Dynamics of contact line motion and wettability is essential in many industrial applications such as liquid coating, lubrication, printing, painting, condensation, etc. However, the wettability of surfaces depends not only on liquid–solid chemical properties but also can be strongly affected by surface roughness. As a practical application of controlled wettability, we can mention the self‐cleaning surfaces, protective clothing, microfluidics devices, electro wetting, etc. In this article, we experimentally investigate the spreading of droplets deposited onto rough surfaces. Anisotropic surfaces were prepared by abrasive polishing on the following materials: aluminium alloy AA7064, titanium alloy Ti‐6Al‐4V, steel AISI 8630, copper alloy UNS C17000, machinable glass ceramic, and poly‐methylmethacrylate. Topographical 2D parameters were calculated according to the following standards, defining Geometrical Product Specifications (GPS): ISO 4287, ISO 12085, ISO 13565, ISO 12780, and ISO 12181. The influence of topographical parameters on wettability and spreading phenomenon has been evaluated by statistical covariance analysis. The following parameters have strong influence on fluid spreading on rough surfaces: Rmr is the relative material ratio of the roughness profile, Trc is the microgeometric material ratio, Pmr is the relative material ratio of the raw profile, Kr is the mean slope of the roughness motifs, RONt is the peak to valley roundness deviation, and Psk is the Skewness of the raw profile. The physical meaning of selected parameters is discussed, and Kr (the mean slope of the roughness motifs) is selected as the most important and physically meaningful parameter. It has been found that for all tested materials, fluid spreading shows increasing tendency when mean slope of the roughness motifs (Kr) increases. SCANNING 33: 370–377, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Retrospective Analysis Demonstrates No Advantage to Operative Management of Distal Ulna Fractures
Authors: Williams Emily A. , Friedrich Jeffrey B.
Published: September 2011

Background

Isolated fracture of the distal one third of the ulna (the “nightstick fracture”) is a common injury no clear consensus on its optimal management. The purpose of this study is to compare the clinical outcomes of operatively and non-operatively treated distal ulna fractures.

Methods

Patients treated over a 5-year period at a level I trauma center for distal ulna fracture were identified and medical records were analyzed. Data were collected on demographics, injury mechanism, fracture pattern, type of treatment, estimated time to osseous healing, and complications. Estimated bony healing time was analyzed with the t test, and treatment types were analyzed with the chi-square test.

Results

Forty-seven patients with 48 ulna fractures met inclusion criteria for the study. Mean follow-up was 36 weeks. One third of the group was female and mean patient age was 43 years. Eighteen ulnas were treated operatively. There was not a significant difference in the non-operative and operative groups regarding proportions of patients with angulation greater than 15° or 25% or greater translation. There was no significant difference in time to bony consolidation. The operative group had more complications, but the rate was not significantly different than the non-operative group.

Conclusions

Isolated distal ulna fractures, including those angulated greater than 15° or translated more than 25%, appear to heal well with non-operative treatment. Operative treatment of closed isolated distal ulna fractures does not appear to confer a treatment advantage when compared to non-operative treatment.
Odorous Compounds in Bioplastics Derived from Bloodmeal
Authors: Verbeek Casparus J. R. , Hicks Talia , Langdon Alan
Published: September 2011

During the processing of bloodmeal‐based thermoplastics (BMT), volatile compounds are released which are odorous and unpleasant. Literature searches revealed that blood components are thermally unstable under oxidising conditions and the presence of iron in bloodmeal (BM) may catalyse the formation of various odorous compounds. The objective of this work was to establish an odour profile for BM as well as BMT prior to extrusion and to determine the effect of oxidative treatment on the resulting odour profile. A comparison of the volatile compounds arising from using BM with those arising from using red blood cells (RB) was carried out using headspace‐solid phase micro‐extraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS‐SPME–GC/MS). A total of 23 compounds were identified, 4 of which were products of putrefaction also identified in RB subjected to putrefactive degradation; these were phenol, 4‐methyl phenol, indole and methyl indole. In addition, several aldehydes and ketones were identified in BM and RB and may result from thermal, microbiological or auto‐oxidative deterioration of the lipids and proteins present in blood during BM manufacture. Oxidative treatment of BM removed some of the compounds that were generated by putrefaction and thermal degradation. Treatment led to an improvement in the perceived odour type and intensity of BM, however, upon conversion to BMT the perceived odour became significantly worse. This malodour was able to be mitigated by the addition of 10–20 wt% activated carbon or greater than 20 wt% natural zeolite, however some malodour reoccurred after storage.
Rock type and dust influx control accretionary soil development on hillslopes in the Sandia Mountains, New Mexico, USA
Authors: Persico Lyman P. , McFadden Leslie D. , Frechette Jedidiah D. , Meyer Grant A.
Published: September 2011

Lower slopes of the Sandia Mountains are characterized by granitic corestone topography and weathering-limited slopes with thin grusy colluvium and weakly developed soils. In contrast, thick soils with illuvial clay and pedogenic carbonate have developed below aplite outcrops. Aplite is resistant to chemical decomposition, but physically weathers to blocky clasts that enhance surface roughness and erosional resistance of colluvium, promoting accumulation of eolian fines. Thick B horizons on aplite slopes indicate limited erosion and prolonged periods of stability and soil development. Accretion of eolian material limits runoff and prevents attainment of a steady-state balance between soil production and downslope transport.
Oscillatory motion of a viscoelastic fluid within a spherical cavity
Authors: Meskauskas Julia , Repetto Rodolfo , Siggers Jennifer H.
Published: September 2011

We study the motion of a viscoelastic fluid within a rigid spherical cavity with the aim of improving understanding of the motion of the vitreous humour in the human eye. The flow of vitreous humour leads to traction on the retina, which, once the retina is torn or damaged, can cause it to detach from the choroid, leading to loss of sight if left untreated. In the first part of the paper we investigate the relaxation behaviour of the fluid, the transient flow that would be observed in the stationary sphere starting from non-stationary initial conditions. For a general viscoelastic fluid we calculate the growth rates and eigenfunctions associated with the system, and we discuss two particular rheological models of the vitreous humour taken from the literature. In the second part of the paper we consider forced oscillations of the fluid, due to small-amplitude rotations of the sphere about a diameter, representing saccades of the eyeball. We conclude with a discussion of the possible occurrence of resonant phenomena and their clinical relevance.
From Selling Tea to Selling Japaneseness: Symbolic Power and the Nationalization of Cultural Practices
Authors: Surak Kristin
Published: September 2011

This article investigates how institutions of cultural production become invested in the national meanings of their products and employ these associations for their own reproduction and expansion. The case I take is of the tea ceremony in Japan, from its pre-modern origins, through its capture by the organizational form of theiemotosystem, and to its contemporary projection as a quintessence of Japaneseness. The ritual offers a particularly vivid illustration of the ways in which symbolic power can not only be periodized, first through its accumulation and then its routine exercise, but can also be successively articulated, at first with the state and then with the nation.
Interest-Seeking as Sense-Making: Ideas and Business Interests in the New Deal
Authors: Münnich Sascha
Published: September 2011

This article addresses the question of how ideas and interests can be linked in policy analysis. The juxtaposition of the two concepts is criticized from a sociological point of view. Instead, ideas are a substantial element of interest formation. Cognitive and normative worldviews shape the transformation of objective socio-economic positions into subjective, situational action orientations. Interests can be traced back to the interplay between structural positions, situational problems and their idea-based interpretation.

It is then shown how these conceptual arguments can bring forward a prominent debate in welfare state analysis: the role of business in the emergence of the American welfare state in the New Deal. While struggling with the question whether the supportive role of some business leaders in theSocial Security Actof 1935 reveals substantial interest changes or strategical adaption, both sides of the debate suffer from an objectivist concept of interest. This one-sided concept of interest comes at the cost of leaving open the question of why business interests changed in the direction of unemployment insurance and not in the direction of other feasible institutional options such as price regulation or public works. These options would also have provided a solution to the problem American employers were facing. Analysis of social reform discourses between 1911 and 1935 shows that the partial reorientation of business people cannot be sufficiently explained without taking into account the growing legitimacy of liberal- corporatist ideas among employers in the 1920s.