bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating Bayesian networks and geographic information systems: Good practice examples
Authors: Johnson Sandra , Low-Choy Sama , Mengersen Kerrie
Published: August 2011

Bayesian networks (BNs) are becoming increasingly common in problems with spatial aspects. The degree of spatial involvement may range from spatial mapping of BN outputs based on nodes in the BN that explicitly involve geographic features, to integration of different networks based on geographic information. In these situations, it is useful to consider how geographic information systems (GISs) could be used to enhance the conceptualization, quantification, and prediction of BNs. Here, we discuss some techniques that may be used to integrate GIS and BN models, with reference to some recent literature which illustrate these approaches. We then reflect on 2 case studies based on our own experience. The first involves the integration of GIS and a BN to assess the scientific factors associated with initiation of Lyngbya majuscula, a cyanobacterium that occurs in coastal waterways around the world. The 2nd case study involves the use of GISs as an aid for eliciting spatially informed expert opinion and expressing this information as prior distributions for a Bayesian model and as input into a BN. Elicitator, the prototype software package we developed for achieving this, is also briefly described. Whereas the 1st case study demonstrates a GIS-data driven specification of conditional probability tables for BNs with complete geographical coverage for all the data layers involved, the 2nd illustrates a situation in which we do not have complete coverage and we are forced to extrapolate based on expert judgement. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2012; 8: 473–479. © SETAC
Integrated Bayesian network framework for modeling complex ecological issues
Authors: Johnson Sandra , Mengersen Kerrie
Published: August 2011

The management of environmental problems is multifaceted, requiring varied and sometimes conflicting objectives and perspectives to be considered. Bayesian network (BN) modeling facilitates the integration of information from diverse sources and is well suited to tackling the management challenges of complex environmental problems. However, combining several perspectives in one model can lead to large, unwieldy BNs that are difficult to maintain and understand. Conversely, an oversimplified model may lead to an unrealistic representation of the environmental problem. Environmental managers require the current research and available knowledge about an environmental problem of interest to be consolidated in a meaningful way, thereby enabling the assessment of potential impacts and different courses of action. Previous investigations of the environmental problem of interest may have already resulted in the construction of several disparate ecological models. On the other hand, the opportunity may exist to initiate this modeling. In the first instance, the challenge is to integrate existing models and to merge the information and perspectives from these models. In the second instance, the challenge is to include different aspects of the environmental problem incorporating both the scientific and management requirements. Although the paths leading to the combined model may differ for these 2 situations, the common objective is to design an integrated model that captures the available information and research, yet is simple to maintain, expand, and refine. BN modeling is typically an iterative process, and we describe a heuristic method, the iterative Bayesian network development cycle (IBNDC), for the development of integrated BN models that are suitable for both situations outlined above. The IBNDC approach facilitates object-oriented BN (OOBN) modeling, arguably viewed as the next logical step in adaptive management modeling, and that embraces iterative development. The benefits of OOBN modeling in the environmental community have not yet been fully realized in environmental management research. The IBNDC approach to BN modeling is described in the context of 2 case studies. The first is the initiation of blooms of Lyngbya majuscula, a blue-green algae, in Deception Bay, Australia where 3 existing models are being integrated, and the second case study is the viability of the free-ranging cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) population in Namibia where an integrated OOBN model is created consisting of 3 independent subnetworks, each describing a particular aspect of free-ranging cheetah population conservation. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2012; 8: 480–490. © 2011 SETAC
Reactivity of Redox‐Active Guests Trapped Inside Molecular Capsules
Authors: Qiu Yanhua , Kaifer Angel E.
Published: August 2011

Inclusion of guests inside molecular capsules may have pronounced effects on their chemical reactivity. This article provides a quick summary of research on the electrochemical reactivity of encapsulated redox‐active guests. A brief account of the results obtained with simple hosts, such as cyclodextrins and cucurbiturils, starts the article. However, these hosts can only provide partial encapsulation. Most of the article is devoted to the results obtained by the authors’ group on the inclusion of ferrocene, cobaltocenium, and tetrathiafulvalene in molecular capsules formed by cavitand‐type ligands, which give rise to supramolecular assemblies that provide full encapsulation. In general terms, trapping of redox‐active centers inside molecular capsules leads to a substantial attenuation of their electrochemical kinetics, which results in electrochemically silent properties in extreme cases. However, the magnitude of this kinetic attenuation cannot be rationalized by simple criteria based on the overall size of the supramolecular assembly.
Unanticipated products from reductive and oxidative cleavages of 1‐substituted 3,3‐diphenyl‐1′‐methylspiro[azetidine‐2,3′‐indoline]‐2′,4‐diones
Authors: Singh Girija S. , Luntha Patrick M.
Published: August 2011

Titled spiroazetidinones 1a, 1b undergo reductive cleavage on treatment with excess lithium aluminum hydride forming 3‐benzhydryl‐1‐methylindole as the main product together with a γ‐amino alcohol depending upon the substituent present on the azetidin‐2‐one ring. Treatment of 1a with Ce(IV) ammonium nitrate affords 2‐hydroxy‐N‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐2,2‐diphenylacetamide besides the anticipated N‐unsubstituted 2‐azetidinone, whereas a similar treatment of 1‐benzhydryl‐3,3‐diphenyl‐2‐azetidinone 1b affords the ring expansion product 1,3‐oxazolidin‐4‐one. The products have been characterized on the basis of satisfactory analytical and spectral (IR, 1H and 13C‐NMR, DEPT, HMBC) data and their formation is discussed. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2011).
Synthesis of some new 1H‐benzimidazole‐2‐carboxamido derivatives and their antimicrobial activitiy
Authors: Özden Seçkin , Usta Figen , Altanlar Nurten , Göker Hakan
Published: August 2011

5,6‐Dichloro‐2‐hydroxymethyl‐1H‐benzimidazole (1) was prepared by the cyclization of 4,5‐dichloro‐o‐phenylenediamine with glycolic acid, then, alcohol group of 1 was converted to carboxylic acid (2). The final products 5,6‐dichloro‐1H‐benzimidazole‐2‐carboxamides (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14) were prepared by the amidification of compounds 2 with several amines by using O‐(benzotriazol‐1‐yl)‐N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate. Compound 12 was prepared by the reaction of compound 6 with methanolic HCl. The relations between the tautomer and nontautomer types of imidazole moiety are discussed with NMR spectroscopy. The in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activity of the synthesized compounds against S. aureus, E. coli, B. subtilis, and C. albicans were evaluated with the disc diffusion techniques. The synthesized compounds were more active against the bacteria than fungi. Compound 3 exhibited best inhibitory activity against S. aureus. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2011).
Optimization of the Suzuki coupling reaction in the synthesis of 2‐[(2‐substituted)phenyl]pyrrole derivatives
Authors: Alešković Marija , Basarić Nikola , Mlinarić‐Majerski Kata
Published: August 2011

A facile three‐step synthesis of 2‐(2‐aminophenyl)pyrrole (1) and 2‐[(2‐aminomethyl)phenyl]pyrrole (2) is reported by use of Suzuki coupling of N‐Boc‐pyrrol‐2‐yl boronic acid (3) and o‐substituted aryl halogenides, followed by hydrogenation. The Pd‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reaction is optimized to be applicable to a wide range of substitued aryl halogenides, with electron‐donating and electron‐withdrawing substituents, 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5g. Moreover, Pd‐catalyzed coupling of o‐bromoaniline and 3 could be applied for the one‐step preparation of pyrrolo[1,2‐c]quinazolin‐5(6H)‐one (8). J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2011).
THE CASE FOR AID IN FISCALLY CONSTRAINED TIMES: MORALS, ETHICS AND ECONOMICS
Authors: Sumner Andy , Tribe Michael
Published: August 2011

Aid [Official Development Assistance (ODA)] is under pressure as fiscal constraints mount in OECD countries following the 2008–2009 global financial and economic crisis. The arguments in favour of ODA commitments from donor countries have been articulated by several writers over the years but have consistently been challenged. This paper briefly and critically assesses the main arguments in favour of, and against, continuing substantial international aid programmes and makes a distinction between arguments relating to the short‐term and to the long‐term. The long‐term is considered in the context of the cases for and against sustained ODA programmes. The short‐term is discussed in the context of potential adjustments in ODA volumes because of economic decline, reduced tax revenue and public expenditure cuts in OECD countries. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
THE CLEAN DEVELOPMENT MECHANISM AS ETHICAL DEVELOPMENT?: RECONCILING EMISSIONS TRADING AND LOCAL DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Boyd Emily , Goodman Michael K.
Published: August 2011

This paper examines the ethics of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) in its architecture, processes and outcomes and its potential to allocate resources to the poor as ‘ethical development’. Two specific examples of CDM projects help us to explore some of the quandaries that seem to be quickly defining operating procedure for the CDM in its efforts to bring entitlementsto the poor. The paper concludes with reflections on the normative and social complications of the CDM and closes with three key areas of further investigation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Labeling approaches for the GE11 peptide, an epidermal growth factor receptor biomarker
Authors: Dissoki Samar , Hagooly Aviv , Elmachily Smadar , Mishani Eyal
Published: August 2011

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is involved in the proliferation and differentiation of normal and malignant cells and is a major therapeutic target for a variety of human cancers. The peptide GE11 was reported to bind efficiently to the EGFR. Labeling GE11 with radionuclides may aid in the quantification of EGFR expression in tumors via noninvasive imaging. To this end, a GGGK linker was attached to the peptide (GE11′), which was conjugated with prosthetic‐labeled groups such as [18F]N‐succinimidyl 4‐fluorobenzoate ([18F]SFB), [18F](2‐{2‐[2‐(2‐fluoro‐ethoxy)‐ethoxy]‐ethoxy}‐ethoxy)‐propyne ([18F]F‐PEG4‐propyne), [124I]N‐succinimidyl 4‐iodobenzoate, and the NOTA‐Bn‐NCS chelator for 111In labeling. All labeled analogs were successfully prepared with radiochemical purity >95% and were identified by HPLC based on their non‐labeled standards. [18F]SFB and [18F]F‐PEG4‐propyne were obtained with a decay‐corrected yield (DCY) of 26% and 30% and a specific activity (SA) of 844 and 2580 Ci/mmol, respectively. [124I]N‐Succinimidyl 4‐iodobenzoate was obtained with a DCY of 65% and an SA of 3600 Ci/mmol. The DCYs for [18F]4‐fluoro‐benzoate‐GE11′, [18F]F‐PEG4‐1,3‐triazole‐GE11′, and [124I]4‐iodo‐benzoate‐GE11′ were 8%, 10%, and 30%, and the SAs were 108, 500, and 300 Ci/mmol, respectively. [111In]‐NOTA‐GE11′ was prepared with 60% radiochemical yield (RCY) and a SA of 0.35 Ci/mmol. GE11 was also labeled directly with 124I, using chloramine‐T, yielding [124I]GE11 with 47% RCY and a SA of 1030 Ci/mmol. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of [18F]anginex with high specific activity [18F]fluorobenzaldehyde for targeting angiogenic activity in solid tumors
Authors: Apana Scott M. , Griffin Robert J. , Koonce Nathan A. , Webber Jessica S. , Dings Ruud P. M. , Mayo Kevin H. , Berridge Marc S.
Published: August 2011

Anginex is a 33‐residue peptide that has been previously demonstrated to possess antiangiogenic properties. To provide a tool to evaluate the regional biodistribution and pharmacokinetics of anginex, and possibly to provide a useful angiogenesis‐targeted radiotracer, we have radiolabeled anginex with fluorine‐18. High specific activity [18F]fluorobenzaldehyde (1.5–4.8 TBq (40–130 Ci)/µmol) was used to label anginex via reductive amination in 76% yield. The effective specific activity of the product was lower because unlabeled anginex was not separated. However, the high specific activity labeling reagent increased the labeling yield and reduced the amount of anginex required for labeling. Regional pharmacokinetics were measured by PET scanning in mice, demonstrating tumor uptake and low background, with up to 30% of total injected dose localized in some tumors. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical analysis of laser transmitter nonlinearity compensation technique for radio over fiber system
Authors: Neo Y. S. , Alifah S. , Idrus S. M. , Rahmat M. F. , Kassim N. M.
Published: August 2011

The task of reducing the noise and distortion generated by a laser transmitter has always been a challenge to improve the performance of radio over fiber systems. This paper presents a compensation system for nonlinear distortion of a laser transmitter supporting 5.2 GHz radio transmission over fiber employing a feed‐forward linearization technique. The nonlinearity of the laser diode is modeled using Volterra series analysis. The proposed linearization system is also simulated using commercial optical system software. The novel design has achieved 30 dB nonlinearity reduction considering 800 MHz modulation bandwidth. As an addition, this work also analyzes the effect of transmission length towards distortion reduction of the proposed system. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carter's factor calculation using domain transformations and the finite element method
Authors: Calixto Wesley Pacheco , Alvarenga Bernardo , Coimbra A. Paulo , Alves Aylton Jose , Martins Neto Luciano , Wu Marcel , da Silva Wander G. , Delbone Edval
Published: August 2011

The main purpose of this work is to present a methodology to calculate Carter's factor using the actual air‐gap geometry, that is, without simplifications of the slot geometry. The methodology is based on the finite element method, and its results are compared with some traditional procedures used for Carter's factor calculation and also with a domain transformation technique. It is shown that the finite element method and the domain transformation methodologies present similar results, which are different from the results obtained with traditional procedures. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How sensitive are probabilistic precipitation forecasts to the choice of calibration algorithms and the ensemble generation method? Part II: sensitivity to ensemble generation method
Authors: Ruiz Juan J. , Saulo Celeste , Kalnay Eugenia
Published: August 2011

In this work the sensitivity of summer Probabilistic Quantitative Precipitation Forecasts (PQPF) to alternative ensemble generation methods over southeastern South America is examined. A perturbed initial condition ensemble using the breeding technique, a multimodel ensemble and a pragmatic ensemble based on spatial shifts of the forecast fields have been used to generate calibrated PQPF over the selected region and the results were evaluated using the Brier Skill Score. Results show that calibrated PQPF quality exhibits sensitivity to the ensemble system used and this sensitivity is mainly related with the resolution component of the Brier Skill Score. For the 24 h lead time, the pragmatic approach shows surprisingly good results while for the 48 h lead time, the best results are obtained with the multimodel ensemble. The combination of the spatial shift technique with the multimodel and with the perturbed initial conditions ensemble has also been evaluated and resulted in an increase of the PQPF skill at all lead times. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
How sensitive are probabilistic precipitation forecasts to the choice of calibration algorithms and the ensemble generation method? Part I: sensitivity to calibration methods
Authors: Ruiz Juan J. , Saulo Celeste
Published: August 2011

Different techniques for obtaining probabilistic quantitative precipitation forecasts (PQPFs) over South America are tested during the 2002–2003 warm season. They have been applied to a regional ensemble system which uses the breeding technique to generate initial and boundary conditions perturbations. This comparison involves seven algorithms and also includes experiments to select an adequate size for the training period. Results show that the sensitivity to different calibration strategies is small with the exception of the rank histogram algorithm. The inclusion of the ensemble spread or the use of different ensemble members for the computation of probabilities shows almost no improvement with respect to probabilistic forecasts computed using the ensemble mean. This is basically due to the strong relationship between precipitation error and its amount. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Breaking wave‐induced response and instability of seabed around caisson breakwater
Authors: Ulker M. B. C. , Rahman M. S. , Guddati M. N.
Published: August 2011

Breaking‐wave‐induced dynamic response and instability of seabed around a caisson breakwater are investigated. A seabed‐rubble‐breakwater system is modeled using finite elements. The impact response of the porous seabed and rubble foundation is assumed to be governed by the coupled Biot equations, and three possible formulations are considered with respect to the inclusion of inertial terms. The response is presented in terms of shear stress and pore pressure distributions at three locations underneath the breakwater. The effect of seabed and wave parameters and the inertial terms on the impact response is investigated through parametric studies. Analyses show that usually partly dynamic formulation yields the largest response amplitudes as compared to the fully dynamic formulation, which is the most complete form. The instability of seabed and rubble mound as a result of instantaneous liquefaction is also studied. Breaking wave‐induced pressures in some cases are found to cause liquefaction in the rubble and the seabed. The effect of some parameters on the instability is found to be significant. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A profile of South African public relations practitioners in top performing organisations
Authors: le Roux Tanya , Naudé Annelie
Published: August 2011

The public relations practitioner is expected to have the skills and knowledge to be able to operationalise the description and definition of public relations within their specific environment. Although various studies describing South African public relations practitioners had been performed, these studies are limited in terms of size and scope and do not offer a clear profile of the practitioner and whether they are equipped to perform the necessary tasks. This article is based on a study that obtained data from practitioners in top performing organisations. It profiles South African practitioners and confirms that they need support in order to play a strategic role. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A main‐chain phosphorus‐containing poly(trimethylene terephthalate) copolyester: synthesis, characterization, and flame retardance
Authors: Chen Hong‐Bing , Zhang Yi , Chen Li , Wang Wei , Zhao Bin , Wang Yu‐Zhong
Published: August 2011

In order to improve the flame retardancy of the semi‐biobased polyester, poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT), bis‐4‐carboxyphenyl phenyl phosphine oxide (BCPPO) was used as a third monomer to synthesize a novel main‐chain phosphorus‐containing copolyester, poly(trimethylene terephthalate‐co‐BCPPO)s (PTTBP), through melt polycondensation. Phosphorus analysis of the resulting polymers suggests that BCPPO has been introduced to PTT chain successfully. 1H and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectra further confirm the random chemical structure. The thermal behavior was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The introduction of BCPPO to PTT lowered the melting point and crystallization ability because of the random copolymerization and the rigid structure of BCPPO, and the thermal stabilities of PTTBP were improved in air but decreased in nitrogen. Rheological investigations showed that the complex viscosities of all the samples were independent of frequency at low frequency (say lower than 100 rads), and shear thinning effect occurred at higher frequency. The cone calorimeter was used to test the fire behavior of PTTBP, and the results suggested that the novel copolyester had good flame retardance. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transglutaminase 1 and its regulator tazarotene‐induced gene 3 localize to neuronal tau inclusions in tauopathies
Authors: Wilhelmus Micha MM , de Jager Mieke , Rozemuller Annemieke JM , Brevé John , Bol John GJM , Eckert Richard L , Drukarch Benjamin
Published: August 2011

Alzheimer's disease (AD), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), frontotemporal dementia and parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17 (FTDP‐17), and Pick's disease (PiD) are commonly known as tauopathies. Neurodegeneration observed in these diseases is linked to neuronal fibrillary hyperphosphorylated tau protein inclusions. Transglutaminases (TGs) are inducible enzymes, capable of modifying conformational and/or structural properties of proteins by inducing molecular cross‐links. Both transglutaminase 1 (TG1) and transglutaminase 2 (TG2) are abundantly expressed in the brain and are associated with fibrillary hyperphosphorylated tau protein inclusions in neurons of AD, so‐called neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). However, other data obtained by our group suggested that tau pathology in the brain may be primarily related to TG1 and not to TG2 activity. To obtain more information on this issue, we set out to investigate the association of TG1, TG2, and TG‐catalysed cross‐links with fibrillary hyperphosphorylated tau inclusions in tauopathies other than AD, using immunohistochemistry. We found strong TG1 and TG‐catalysed cross‐link staining in neuronal tau inclusions characteristic of PSP, FTDP‐17 with mutations in the tau gene (FTDP‐17T), and PiD brain, whereas, in contrast to AD, TG2 was only rarely observed in these inclusions. Furthermore, using a biochemical approach, we demonstrated that tau is a substrate for TG1‐mediated cross‐linking. Interestingly, we found co‐localization of the TG1 activator, tazarotene‐induced gene 3 (TIG3), in the neuronal tau inclusions of PSP, FTDP‐17T, and PiD, but not in NFTs of AD cases, indicating that these tau‐containing protein aggregates are not identical. We conclude that TG1‐catalysed cross‐linking, regulated by TIG3, might play an important role in the formation of neuronal tau inclusions in PSP, FTDP‐17T, and PiD brain. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome leads to reduced ratio of ACE/ACE2 activities and is prevented by angiotensin‐(1–7) or an angiotensin II receptor antagonist
Authors: Wösten‐van Asperen Roelie M , Lutter René , Specht Patricia A , Moll Gert N , van Woensel Job B , van der Loos Chris M , van Goor Harry , Kamilic Jelena , Florquin Sandrine , Bos Albert P
Published: August 2011

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a devastating clinical syndrome. Angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) and its effector peptide angiotensin (Ang) II have been implicated in the pathogenesis of ARDS. A counter‐regulatory enzyme of ACE, ie ACE2 that degrades Ang II to Ang‐(1–7), offers a promising novel treatment modality for this syndrome. As the involvement of ACE and ACE2 in ARDS is still unclear, this study investigated the role of these two enzymes in an animal model of ARDS. ARDS was induced in rats by intratracheal administration of LPS followed by mechanical ventilation. During ventilation, animals were treated with saline (placebo), losartan (Ang II receptor antagonist), or with a protease‐resistant, cyclic form of Ang‐(1–7) [cAng‐(1–7)]. In bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of ventilated LPS‐exposed animals, ACE activity was enhanced, whereas ACE2 activity was reduced. This was matched by enhanced BALF levels of Ang II and reduced levels of Ang‐(1–7). Therapeutic intervention with cAng‐(1–7) attenuated the inflammatory mediator response, markedly decreased lung injury scores, and improved lung function, as evidenced by increased oxygenation. These data indicate that ARDS develops, in part, due to reduced pulmonary levels of Ang‐(1–7) and that repletion of this peptide halts the development of ARDS. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thixotropy and physical aging in acrylic emulsion paint
Authors: Baldewa Bharat , Joshi Yogesh M.
Published: August 2011

In this article we study thixotropic and time‐dependent rheological behavior of commercial acrylic emulsion paint using a framework of soft glassy rheology. We observe that acrylic emulsion paint, which shows thixotropic rheological behavior, demonstrates various characteristic features of a soft glassy materials such as weak but certain increase in elastic modulus as a function of aging time, maximum in viscous modulus as a function of strain at the onset of yielding, and slow increase in elastic modulus as a function of frequency. Stress relaxation measurements, subsequent to step strain, carried out at different aging times demonstrate slowing down of the relaxation dynamics. This behavior is similar to that observed in polymeric glasses and other soft glassy materials undergoing aging dynamics. Relaxation modulus when plotted against appropriately rescaled time yields a superposition irrespective of the aging time. The rescaled time also known as effective time, which adjusts the material clock by accounting for increasing relaxation time, enables estimation of the rate of change of relaxation time with the aging time. We conclude by relating thixotropy in an emulsion paint sample to an interplay between physical aging and shear melting in the same. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Modeling uses and analysis of production scenarios for acrylonitrile‐butadiene (NBR) emulsions
Authors: Madhuranthakam Chandra Mouli R. , Penlidis Alexander
Published: August 2011

The first part of this article discusses different partitioning options used in modeling emulsion copolymerization of acrylonitrile and butadiene for the production of acrylonitrile‐butadiene rubber (NBR) in batch and continuous reactors. It is observed that the performance of the model using different partitioning methods for estimation of monomer concentration in the different phases (i.e., droplet, aqueous and particle) would be very similar by proper selection of the different parameters of the particular partitioning method. In the second part, the effects of important aspects (during the continuous production of NBR) such as desorption and monomer soluble impurities on polymer properties are discussed. The third part of the paper focuses on procedures and benefits of different kinds of reactor start‐ups, such as starting the reactor(s) full of water, half full of water, full of “batch recipe” or empty. All of the above studies and analysis are targeted towards their effect on principal emulsion polymer characteristics such as number‐ and weight‐average molecular weights, monomer conversion, copolymer composition (bound acrylonitrile), tri‐ and tetra‐functional branching frequencies, and number and average size of the polymer particles. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Sustainable Manufacturing Oriented Prognosis for Facility Reuse Combining ANN and Reliability
Authors: Yan Jihong , Hua Dingguo , Wang Xing , Li Xin
Published: August 2011

Reuse is considered as one of the most reasonable strategies in realizing sustainability, because it enables longer useful life of facilities. This article presents an effective methodology of artificial neural network–based prognosis combined with reliability methods to evaluate and guarantee the reusability of a facility. The methodology provides the assessment of the degradation trend and prediction of the remaining life of facilities based on online condition monitoring data and historical data utilizing back propagation artificial neural networks. In addition, the corresponding reliability of a facility is calculated by fitting suitable life distribution against the in‐house time‐to‐failure data. Furthermore, maintenance decision is made by predicting the time when reliability or remaining life of a facility reaches the threshold, as determined by the facility's reusability. Application results show that the proposed methodology provides sufficient condition information for reuse decision making from both historical and online perspectives; a facility can be reused for many times during its lifetime until its reuse is no longer economic, which can assist in the achievement of the goal of manufacturing with fewer resources and assets. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A spatial scan statistic for nonisotropic two‐level risk cluster
Authors: Li Xiao‐Zhou , Wang Jin‐Feng , Yang Wei‐Zhong , Li Zhong‐Jie , Lai Sheng‐Jie
Published: August 2011

Spatial scan statistic methods are commonly used for geographical disease surveillance and cluster detection. The standard spatial scan statistic does not model any variability in the underlying risks of subregions belonging to a detected cluster. For a multilevel risk cluster, the isotonic spatial scan statistic could model a centralized high‐risk kernel in the cluster. Because variations in disease risks are anisotropic owing to different social, economical, or transport factors, the real high‐risk kernel will not necessarily take the central place in a whole cluster area. We propose a spatial scan statistic for a nonisotropic two‐level risk cluster, which could be used to detect a whole cluster and a noncentralized high‐risk kernel within the cluster simultaneously. The performance of the three methods was evaluated through an intensive simulation study. Our proposed nonisotropic two‐level method showed better power and geographical precision with two‐level risk cluster scenarios, especially for a noncentralized high‐risk kernel. Our proposed method is illustrated using the hand–foot–mouth disease data in Pingdu City, Shandong, China in May 2009, compared with two other methods. In this practical study, the nonisotropic two‐level method is the only way to precisely detect a high‐risk area in a detected whole cluster. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Probing the Nanoscale Phase Separation and Photophysics Properties of Low‐Bandgap Polymer:Fullerene Blend Film by Near‐Field Spectroscopic Mapping
Authors: Wang Xiao , Azimi Hamed , Mack Hans‐Georg , Morana Mauro , Egelhaaf Hans‐Joachim , Meixner Alfred J. , Zhang Dai
Published: August 2011

The effect of the additive 1,8‐octanedithiol (ODT) on the nanometer‐scale morphology and local photophysical properties of low‐bandgap polymer blends of poly[2,6‐(4,4‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)‐4H‐cyclopenta[2,1‐b;3,4‐b′] dithiophene)‐ alt‐4,7(2,1,3‐benzothiadiazole)] (PCPDTBT) and [6,6]‐phenyl C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) is investigated. Phase separations of the PCPDTBT:PCBM blend film induced by ODT are visualized by the morphological changes from fibril‐shaped features to spherical bumps, by the dramatically increased photoluminescence emission from PCPDTBT that was originally largely quenched, and by the fluctuations of spectral features at different locations of the sample surface. The correlations between the morphology and the local photophysical properties of the blend film with/without ODT at both the micrometer and nanometer scales are revealed by confocal and high‐resolution near‐field spectroscopic mapping techniques.
7SK snRNA: a noncoding RNA that plays a major role in regulating eukaryotic transcription
Authors: Peterlin B. Matija , Brogie John E. , Price David H.
Published: August 2011

The human 7SK small nuclear RNA (snRNA) is an abundant noncoding RNA whose function has been conserved in evolution from invertebrates to humans. It is transcribed by RNA polymerase III (RNAPIII) and is located in the nucleus. Together with associated cellular proteins, 7SK snRNA regulates the activity of the positive transcription elongation factor b (P‐TEFb). In humans, this regulation is accomplished by the recruitment of P‐TEFb by the 7SK snRNA‐binding proteins, hexamethylene bisacetamide (HMBA)‐induced mRNA 1/2 (HEXIM1 or HEXIM2), which inhibit the kinase activity of P‐TEFb. P‐TEFb regulates the transition of promoter proximally paused RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) into productive elongation, thereby, allowing efficient mRNA production. The protein composition of the 7SK small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) is regulated dynamically. While the Lupus antigen (La)‐related protein 7 (LARP7) is a constitutive component, the methylphosphate capping enzyme (MePCE) associates secondarily to phosphorylate the 5′ end of 7SK snRNA. The release of active P‐TEFb is closely followed by release of HEXIM proteins and both are replaced by heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs). The released P‐TEFb activates the expression of most cellular and viral genes. Regulated release of P‐TEFb determines the expression pattern of many of the genes that respond to environmental stimuli and regulate growth, proliferation, and differentiation of cells. WIREs RNA 2012, 3:92–103. doi: 10.1002/wrna.106

This article is categorized under:

RNA Structure and Dynamics > Influence of RNA Structure in Biological Systems

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Recognition

RNA Processing > Processing of Small RNAs

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs
Growth of a tropical marine yeast Yarrowia lipolytica NCIM 3589 on bromoalkanes: relevance of cell size and cell surface properties
Authors: Vatsal Aakanksha , Zinjarde Smita S. , Kumar Ameeta Ravi
Published: August 2011

Yarrowia lipolytica 3589, a tropical marine yeast, grew aerobically on a broad range of bromoalkanes varying in carbon chain length and differing in degree and position of bromide group. Amongst the bromoalkanes studied, viz. 2‐bromopropane (2‐BP), 1‐bromobutane (1‐BB), 1,5‐dibromopentane (1,5‐DBP) and 1‐bromodecane (1‐BD), the best utilized was 1‐BD, with a maximal growth rate (μmax) of 0.055 h−1 and an affinity ratio (μmax/Ks) of 0.022. Utilization of these bromoalkanes as growth substrates was associated with a concomitant release of bromide (8202.9 µm) and cell mass (36 × 109 cells/ml), occurring maximally on 1‐BD. Adherence of yeast cells to these hydrophobic bromoalkanes was observed microscopically, with an increase in cell size and surface hydrophobicity. The maximal cell diameter was for 1‐BD (4.66 µm), resulting in an increase in the calculated cell surface area (68.19 µm2) and sedimentation velocity (1.31 µm/s). Cell surface hydrophobicity values by microbial adhesion to solvents (MATS) analysis for yeasts grown on bromoalkanes and glucose were significantly high, i.e. >80%. Similarly, water contact angles also indicate that the cell surface of yeast cells grown in glucose possess a relatively more hydrophilic cell surface (θ = 49.1°), whereas cells grown in 1‐BD possess a more hydrophobic cell surface (θ = 90.7°). No significant change in emulsification activity or surface tension was detected in the cell‐free supernatant. Thus adherence to the bromoalkane droplets by an increase in cell size and surface hydrophobicity leading to debromination of the substrate might be the strategy employed in bromoalkane utilization and growth by Y. lipolytica 3589. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DhARO4 induction and tyrosine nitration in response to reactive radicals generated by salt stress in Debaryomyces hansenii
Authors: Calderón‐Torres Marissa , Castro Daniela E. , Montero Paloma , Peña Antonio
Published: August 2011

It has been previously reported that growth of Debaryomyces hansenii in 2 m NaCl induced the expression of ARO4. This gene codifies for DhAro4p, involved in the synthesis of the amino acid tyrosine. In this work we studied the activity of DhAro4p upon salt stress; a higher activity was observed in cells grown with 2 m NaCl, but tyrosine levels were not increased. On the other hand, the addition of tyrosine to the saline medium significantly enhanced the growth of D. hansenii. It was found that the oxidized form of tyrosine, 3‐nitrotyrosine, increased in the presence of salt. Since NaCl protects against oxidative stress in D. hansenii (Navarrete et al., 2009), we propose that a protective pathway is the de novo synthesis of tyrosine and its immediate oxidation to 3‐nitrotyrosine to counteract oxidative stress generated by salt stress, so we measured the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO−) in D. hansenii after growing in 2 m NaCl. Results showed the presence of NO− and the increased production of ROS; this is probably due to an increased respiratory activity in the cells grown in the presence of salt. Our results demonstrate that upon salt stress D hansenii responds to oxidative stress via the transcriptional activation of specific genes such as DhARO4. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Telling “Everything” but not “Too Much”: The Surgeon’s Dilemma in Consultations about Breast Cancer
Authors: Mendick Nicola , Young Bridget , Holcombe Christopher , Salmon Peter
Published: August 2011

Background

Although clinicians are often criticized for giving inadequate information to patients with cancer, current recommendations to “provide full information” or “all the information patients want” are impractical. We therefore examined how surgeons manage information‐giving to patients with breast cancer in practice, and how their approach compared with what patients wanted.

Study design

We interviewed 20 patients consulting after surgery in a specialist breast unit, and the eight surgeons whom they consulted. Qualitative analysis examined surgeon and patient perspectives on the purposes of information.

Results

Surgeons and patients both stated the importance of “honesty” and “telling everything” but surgeons did not want to tell everything they could and patients did not want to hear it. Patients wanted information mainly to maintain hope, demonstrate the surgeon’s expertise, and sustain a personal clinical relationship. Surgeons shaped their information‐giving for the same reasons while providing necessary information about histology and treatment.

Conclusions

Surgeons and patients agreed strikingly about the purposes of information and indicated that giving information is a more complex task than current recommendations imply. We suggest that expert recommendations should catch up with practice rather than the reverse. That is, if recommendations are to reflect patients’ real rather than assumed needs, and be realistic about how surgeons can meet these needs, the recommendations should be informed by knowledge of how patients and surgeons already reconcile these needs in clinical practice.
Increasing the Size Limit of Benign Thyroid Lesions Resectable by Endoscopic Thyroidectomy via a Unilateral Axillo‐breast Approach Without Gas Insufflation
Authors: Kim Won Shik , Hong Hyun Jun , Shin Yoo Seob , Choi Eun Chang , Choi Hong‐Shik , Koh Yoon Woo
Published: August 2011

Background

Endoscopic thyroidectomy is rarely attempted in patients with large goitrous lesions. We examined the feasibility and safety of endoscopic thyroidectomy via a unilateral axillo‐breast approach without gas insufflation for resection of large thyroid tumors (≥4 cm).

Methods

The study included 111 patients: 82 in group 1 (tumor diameter <4 cm) and 29 in group 2 (≥ 4 cm). Ninety‐one patients underwent hemithyroidectomy and 20 underwent total thyroidectomy. Local complications, surgical outcomes, and pathological outcomes were compared between groups.

Results

Postoperative permanent pathology revealed 24 follicular adenomas and 87 nodular hyperplasias. The mean tumor size in group 2 was 51.10 ± 7.66 mm compared to 25.24 ± 8.14 mm in group 1. The mean volume of the thyroid gland in group 2 was 15.60 ± 3.45 cm3 compared to 11.27 ± 2.40 cm3 in group 1 (p = 0.000). Mean operating time did not differ significantly between groups (p = 0.520). Postoperatively, minor hematomas were encountered in three patients (3.7%) in group 1. Three patients in group 1 (3.7%) and two in group 2 (6.9%) developed transient unilateral vocal cord palsy (p = 0.604). Temporary hypocalcemia was observed in six and one patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p = 1.000). No permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy or hypoparathyroidism occurred in either group.

Conclusion

Our data support the safety and feasibility of endoscopic thyroidectomy via a unilateral axillo‐breast approach without gas insufflation, even for the treatment of benign thyroid lesions ≥4 cm.
Prognostic Factors Affecting Postmastectomy Locoregional Recurrence in Patients with Early Breast Cancer: Are Intrinsic Subtypes Effective?
Authors: Mersin Hakan , Gülben Kaptan , Berberoğlu Uğur , Yazι Mete , Acun Gökçe , Kιnaş Volkan , Erdoğan Şükrü
Published: August 2011

Background

Many studies have investigated the association between the molecular subtypes of breast cancer and survival. The aim of this study was to identify the effects of intrinsic subtypes of breast cancer and the other clinicopathological factors on postmastectomy locoregional recurrence (LRR) in patients with early breast cancer.

Methods

The records of 1,195 consecutive early breast cancer patients treated with modified radical mastectomy between 2004 and 2008 were retrospectively evaluated. The effects of intrinsic subtypes of the tumor (luminal A, luminal B, HER2‐overexpressing, and triple‐negative) and classical clinicopathological factors on LRR were identified by univariate and multivariate statistical analyses.

Results

The median follow‐up time was 44 months, and 16 (1.3%) patients experienced a LRR during this period. In univariate analysis, the intrinsic subtypes of breast cancer had a significant effect on LRR (p = 0.002). In multivariate analysis, only extranodal invasion and estrogen receptor (ER) status were significant predictors of LRR (p = 0.003 and 0.0001, respectively), whereas intrinsic subtypes did not reveal a significant relationship with LRR (p = 0.57; hazard ratio, 2.9; 95% confidence interval, 0.2–4.7).

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that the extranodal invasion and negative ER status should potentially be considered when evaluating the risk of LRR. The predictive power of intrinsic subtypes for LRR is less than that of classical pathological indicators. This information may be useful in planning management of LRR in early breast cancer patients treated with mastectomy.
Analyzing Taylor's Scaling Law: qualitative differences of social and territorial behavior on colonization/extinction dynamics
Authors: Samaniego Horacio , Sérandour Guillaume , Milne Bruce T.
Published: August 2011

The power law relation between the mean population count and its variance (Taylor's Power Law, TPL) is among the few general patterns in population ecology. While the TPL has been described to be pervasive across taxa, the causes of variation of the exponent describing this relation is not well understood. We compare the TPL exponents for two species with different social systems and behavior: Piñon jays (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) and Western scrub‐jays (Aphelocoma californica). We analyze the underlying processes that generate the expected values of population size and its variance. Using a probabilistic model, we identify and estimate important processes involved in the generation of the TPL exponents. While both species show a scaling relationship between their mean and abundance, share a common negative relation between mean abundance and colonization–extinction rates, they differ greatly in the statistical distributions of colonization, extinction, the mean number of colonists, the probability of zero abundance and population sizes. We show how different aspects of the processes that generate abundance affect the TPL exponent, thereby providing empirical guidelines to interpret differences in the scaling relation between mean and variance of population size.
Prosperity and Its Discontents: Contextualizing Social Protest in the Late Qianlong Reign
Authors: Wang Wensheng
Published: August 2011

Studies of the Qing history have tended to overstate the prosperity of the Qianlong period (1736–95), while taking the ensuing Jiaqing period (1796–1820) as the crisis-ridden beginning of dynastic decline. To challenge such a simplistic and somewhat misleading interpretation, this article reappraises the late Qianlong era by examining the dramatic combination of social protest which largely defined this period. It focuses on the structural and conjunctural origins of these upheavals and uses them as a prism to investigate the changing state-society relationship. This study conceptualizes the late Qianlong upheavals as a profound crisis of an overextended empire whose political development had become unsustainable. In addition to facing the formidable challenges of an expanding society, the late Qianlong state was crippled by the emperor himself and his aggressive efforts to concentrate power in his own hands.
The South China Coast in French and Dutch Literature
Authors: Xiangyu Cai Ellen
Published: August 2011

The article examines a number of pieces of early French and Dutch writing about the South China coast. The first is the journal of a Swiss mercenary named Ripon, who was employed by the Dutch East India Company and ventured in the East from 1617 to 1627; the second is a group of journals by Isaac Titsingh, Andreas Everard van Braam and Chrétien-Louis-Joseph de Guignes, describing their embassy to Emperor Qianlong in 1794–95; and finally there are a series reports by Dutch Protestant and French Catholic missionaries from the mid-nineteenth century onwards. Such Western sources can be an important supplement to the often scant Chinese sources for certain periods. Sources recording the same event but written by different authors and in different languages can provide an informative range of perspectives and serve to complement each other. And a range of different sources in different languages may combine to produce a fairly full historical picture of a given topic.
Acting for Reasons: Reply to Dancy
Authors: Hyman John
Published: August 2011

This paper argues that we need to distinguish between two different ideas of a reason: first, the idea of a premise or assumption, from which a person’s action or deliberation can proceed; second, the idea of a fact by which a person can be guided, when he modifies his thought or behaviour in some way. It argues further that if we have the first idea in mind, one can act for the reason that p regardless of whether it is the case that p, and regardless of whether one believes that p. But if we have the second idea in mind, one cannot act for the reason that p unless one knows that p. The last part of the paper briefly indicates how the second idea of a reason can contribute to a larger argument, showing that it is better to conceive of knowledge as a kind of ability than as a kind of belief.