bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temperature‐dependent specific transport of levofloxacin in human intestinal epithelial LS180 cells
Authors: Fukumori Shiro , Masago Miki , Ishida Kazuya , Kayano Yuichiro , Taguchi Masato , Hashimoto Yukiya
Published: September 2009

It was reported previously that specific levofloxacin uptake in Caco‐2 cells was inhibited by nicotine, enalapril, L‐carnitine and fexofenadine. The aim of the present study was to characterize the cellular uptake of levofloxacin using another human intestinal cell line, LS180. Levofloxacin uptake in LS180 cells was temperature‐dependent and optimal at neutral pH, but was Na+‐independent. The rank order of inhibitory effects of the four compounds on [14C] levofloxacin uptake in LS180 cells was nicotine>enalapril>L‐carnitine>fexofenadine, which is consistent with that in Caco‐2 cells. The mRNA levels of OATP1A2, 1B1, 1B3 and 2B1 in LS180 cells were markedly different from those in Caco‐2 cells, and OATP substrates/inhibitors had no systematic effect on the levofloxacin uptake. The mRNA levels of OCTN1 and 2 in LS180 cells were similar to those in Caco‐2 cells. However, the inhibitory effect of nicotine on L‐[3H]carnitine uptake was much less potent than that of unlabeled L‐carnitine. These results indicate that the specific uptake system for levofloxacin in LS180 cells is identical/similar to that in Caco‐2 cells, but that OATPs and OCTNs contribute little to levofloxacin uptake in the human intestinal epithelial cells. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nrf2 plays an important role in coordinated regulation of Phase II drug metabolism enzymes and Phase III drug transporters
Authors: Shen Guoxiang , Kong Ah‐Ng
Published: September 2009

The nuclear transcription factor E2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) has been shown to play pivotal roles in preventing xenobiotic‐related toxicity and carcinogen‐induced carcinogenesis. These protective roles of Nrf2 have been attributed in part to its involvement in the induction of Phase II drug conjugation/detoxification enzymes as well as antioxidant enzymes through the Nrf2‐antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling pathways. This review summarizes the current research status of the identification of Nrf2‐regulated drug metabolism enzymes (DMEs), especially Phase II DMEs, and Phase III drug transporters. In addition, the molecular mechanisms underlying the coordinated regulation of Phase II DMEs and Phase III transporters will also be discussed based on findings published in the literature. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interelectrode distance and warning signal interval and the evaluation of clinical electrical shock
Authors: Duker Pieter , Mulder Monique , Scheffer Nienke
Published: September 2009

Contingent shock is used on a small scale for behaviors that may lead to severe damages to one's body or to others. Research efforts focus on exploring variables that control the evaluation of electrical shocks. This study focuses on two practical questions, that is, whether the distance between the electrodes would influence the evaluation of shock and whether using a variable time interval in the administration would influence the evaluation of shock. Results reveal that both investigated variables control the evaluation of shock. Multiple shocks appear to produce a stronger sensation than single shocks, a phenomenon that was also revealed in previous studies. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bioremediation of bacteria pollution using the marine sponge Hymeniacidon perlevis in the intensive mariculture water system of turbot Scophthalmus maximus
Authors: Zhang Xichang , Zhang Wei , Xue Lingyun , Zhang Bi , Jin Meifang , Fu Wantao
Published: September 2009

Sessile filter‐feeding marine sponges (Porifera) have been reported to possess high efficiency in removing bacteria pollution from natural or aquaculture seawater. However, no investigation has been carried out thus far in a true mariculture farm water system. Therefore this study sought to investigate the ability of the marine sponge Hymeniacidon perlevis to bioremediate the bacteria pollution in the intensive aquaculture water system of turbot Scophthalmus maximus. Sponge specimens were hung in fish culture effluent at different temperature to investigate the optimal temperature condition for bacteria removal by H. perlevis. Turbots S. maximus were co‐cultured with sponge H. perlevis in 1.5 m3 of water system at 15–18°C for 6 weeks to control the growth of bacteria. It was found that H. perlevis was able to remove pathogenic bacteria efficiently at 10–20°C, with a maximal removal of 71.4–78.8% of fecal coliform, 73.9–98.7% of pathogenic vibrio, and 75.0–83.7% of total culturable bacteria from fish‐culture effluent at 15°C; H. perlevis continuously showed good bioremediation of bacteria pollution in the S. maximus culture water system, achieving removal of 60.0–90.2% of fecal coliform, 37.6–81.6% of pathogenic vibrio, and 45.1–83.9% of total culturable bacteria. The results demonstrate that H. perlevis is an effective bioremediator of bacteria pollution in the turbot S. maximus culture farm water system. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2010;105: 59–68. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Design of a cytochrome P450BM3 reaction system linked by two‐step cofactor regeneration catalyzed by a soluble transhydrogenase and glycerol dehydrogenase
Authors: Mouri Tsuyoshi , Shimizu Takeshi , Kamiya Noriho , Goto Masahiro , Ichinose Hirofumi
Published: September 2009

A cytochrome P450BM3‐catalyzed reaction system linked by a two‐step cofactor regeneration was investigated in a cell‐free system. The two‐step cofactor regeneration of redox cofactors, NADH and NADPH, was constructed by NAD+‐dependent bacterial glycerol dehydrogenase (GLD) and bacterial soluble transhydrogenase (STH) both from Escherichia coli. In the present system, the reduced cofactor (NADH) was regenerated by GLD from the oxidized cofactor (NAD+) using glycerol as a sacrificial cosubstrate. The reducing equivalents were subsequently transferred to NADP+ by STH as a cycling catalyst. The resultant regenerated NADPH was used for the substrate oxidation catalyzed by cytochrome P450BM3. The initial rate of the P450BM3‐catalyzed reaction linked by the two‐step cofactor regeneration showed a slight increase (approximately twice) when increasing the GLD units 10‐fold under initial reaction conditions. In contrast, a 10‐fold increase in STH units resulted in about a 9‐fold increase in the initial reaction rate, implying that transhydrogenation catalyzed by STH was the rate‐determining step. In the system lacking the two‐step cofactor regeneration, 34% conversion of 50 μM of a model substrate (p‐nitrophenoxydecanoic acid) was attained using 50 μM NADPH. In contrast, with the two‐step cofactor regeneration, the same amount of substrate was completely converted using 5 μM of oxidized cofactors (NAD+ and NADP+) within 1 h. Furthermore, a 10‐fold dilution of the oxidized cofactors still led to approximately 20% conversion in 1 h. These results indicate the potential of the combination of GLD and STH for use in redox cofactor recycling with catalytic quantities of NAD+ and NADP+. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2009
Prokaryotic expression, in vitro folding, and molecular pharmacological characterization of the neuropeptide Y receptor type 2
Authors: Schmidt Peter , Lindner Diana , Montag Cindy , Berndt Sandra , Beck‐Sickinger Annette G. , Rudolph Rainer , Huster Daniel
Published: September 2009

G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a class of membrane proteins that represent a major target for pharmacological developments. However, there is still little knowledge about GPCR structure and dynamics since high‐level expression and characterization of active GPCRs in vitro is extremely complicated. Here, we describe the recombinant expression and functional folding of the human Y2receptor from inclusion bodies ofE. colicultures. Milligram protein quantities were produced using high density fermentation and isolated in a single step purification with a yield of over 20 mg/L culture. Extensive studies were carried out on in vitro refolding and stabilization of the isolated receptor in detergent solution. The specific binding of the ligand, the 36 residue neuropeptide Y (NPY), to the recombinant Y2receptors in micellar form was shown by several radioligand affinity assays. In competition experiments, an IC50value in low nanomolar range could be determined. Further, aKDvalue of 1.9 nM was determined from a saturation assay, where NPY was titrated to the recombinant Y2receptors. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2009
Interactions between surfactants and biomass during liquid–liquid extraction
Authors: Pursell Mark R. , Mendes M. Alcina , Stuckey David C.
Published: September 2009

Fermentation systems can contain may surface‐active compounds that can interfere with downstream separation processes. This work examines the interactions that can occur between surfactants and biomass during solute mass transfer in a liquid–liquid extraction system. Adding the surfactants sodium dodecyl sulfate and dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide to the aqueous phase caused a substantial increase in the mass transfer of chloramphenicol between water and octanol. Further investigation of the interfacial region using an optical Schlieren apparatus revealed that these increases were due to interfacial turbulence that gave rise to a rapid surface renewal convective mass transfer mechanism. When microbial biomass was present with sodium dodecyl sulfate, an increase in the mass transfer rate was again found, however, to a lesser extent. In contrast, dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide did not promote mass transfer and it is postulated that electrical interactions between the surfactant and the cell surface prevented adsorption of either at the interface. The interaction between the antifoaming agent polypropylene glycol 2000 and extraction system components was also investigated, with both positive and negative effects being recorded under varying conditions. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2009
Construction of a recombinant autolytic wine yeast strain overexpressing the csc1‐1 allele
Authors: Cebollero Eduardo , Gonzalez‐Ramos Daniel , Gonzalez Ramon
Published: September 2009

During the aging step of sparkling wines and wines aged on lees, yeast cells kept in contact with the wine finally die and undergo autolysis, releasing cellular compounds with a positive effect on the wine quality. In view of the interest of autolysis for wine properties, biotechnologists have tried to improve autolytic yield during winemaking. In this work we used genetic engineering techniques to construct an autolytic industrial strain by expressing the csc1‐1 allele from the RDN1 locus. The expression of this mutant allele, that causes a “constitutive in autophagy phenotype,” resulted in accelerated autolysis of the recombinant strain. Although autophagic phenotype due to csc1‐1 expression has been reported to require the mutant allele in multicopy, autolytic acceleration was achieved by expressing only one or two copies of the gene under the control of the constitutive promotor pTDH3. The acceleration of autolysis together with the unaltered fermentative capacity, strongly supported the overexpression of csc1‐1 allele as a strategy to obtain wines with aged‐like properties in a shortened time. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2009
Vibrational and electronic optical activity of the chiral disulphide group: Implications for disulphide bridge conformation
Authors: Bednárová Lucie , Bouř Petr , Maloň Petr
Published: September 2009

Using dihydrogendisulphide (H2S2), dimethyl‐ ((CH3)2S2), and diethyldisulphide ((CH3CH2)2S2)as model molecules, theoretical ECD, VCD, and ROA spectra of nonplanar disulphides were calculated by DFT methods. Most of the calculated electronic and vibrational chiroptical features suffer an equivocal relation between calculatedsigns of ECD, VCD, or ROA and the sense of disulphide nonplanarity as noted earlier for low‐lying ECD bands. This is a consequence of local C2 symmetry of a disulphide group causing most electronic and vibrational transitions to occur as pairs falling to alternative A, B symmetry species, which become degenerate and switch their succession (and consequently the observed chiroptical sign pattern) at the energetically most favorable perpendicular conformation. According to present calculations, the key to resolving this ambiguity may involve the SS stretching vibrational mode at ∼500 cm−1. The relation of signs of the relevant VCD and ROA features to sense of disulphide chirality seems simpler and less ambiguous. The right‐handed arrangement of the SS group (0 < χSS < 180°) results in mostly negative VCD signals. Although relation to ROA still suffers some ambiguity, it gets clearer along the series H2S2–(CH3)2S2–(CH3CH2)2S2. ROA is also attractive for the analysis of disulphide‐containing peptides and proteins, because applying it to aqueous solutions is not problematic. Chirality, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis, chiroptical properties, and their theoretical simulation of some highly rotating benzotricamphor derivatives
Authors: Mazzeo Giuseppe , Giorgio Egidio , Rosini Carlo , Fabris Fabrizio , Fregonese Erica , Toniolo Umberto , De Lucchi Ottorino
Published: September 2009

The large molecules 1–3 (69, 90, and 102 atoms, respectively), prepared by cyclotrimerization of enantiomerically pure derivatives of (−)‐bornyl acetate, show intense ECD spectra, high optical rotation (OR) values (200–1300, in absolute value) dominated in sign and order of magnitude by the lowest‐energy Cotton effects, that is, they are the ideal candidates to test the reliability of our “approximate” (TDDFT/B3LYP/6‐31G* or smaller basis set) approach to the calculation of chiroptical properties. As a matter of fact, a correct simulation of the OR values and ECD spectra of 1 and 2 can be obtained even using STO‐3G basis set and semiempirical or molecular mechanics input geometries: for 1, at the TDDFT/B3LYP/STO‐3G level, the OR values are of the order of 500–550, versus an experimental value ranging between 660 and 690, depending on the solvent. On the contrary, the case of 3 (exp. OR between −1330 and −1500) is really complex (for instance, the OR values range between −3216 and −729 (TDDFT/B3LYP/6‐31G* calculations) or −1824 and −444 (TDDFT/B3LYP/STO‐3G calculations)), making the comparison between calculated and experimental values more difficult. The behavior of 3 is due to its molecular flexibility, whereas 1 is a really rigid molecules and 2 behaves (vide infra) as it were a rigid system. These observations strongly indicate that the conformational freedom constitutes one of the major difficulties for a correct but simple simulation of the chiroptical properties. Chirality 21:E86–E97, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exploring Chemical Substructures Essential for hERG K+Channel Blockade by Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Dofetilide Analogues
Authors: Shagufta  , Guo Dong , Klaasse Elisabeth , de Vries Henk , Brussee Johannes , Nalos Lukáš , Rook Martin B. , Vos Marc A. , van der Heyden Marcel A. G. , IJzerman Adriaan P.
Published: September 2009

In this study we followed a new approach to analyze molecular substructures required for hERG channel blockade. We designed and synthesized 40 analogues of dofetilide (1), a potent hERG potassium channel blocker, and established structure–activity relationships (SAR) for their interaction with this important cardiotoxicity‐related off‐target. Structural modifications to dofetilide were made by diversifying the substituents on the phenyl rings and the protonated nitrogen and by varying the carbon chain length. The analogues were evaluated in a radioligand binding assay and SAR data were derived with the aim to specify structural features that give rise to hERG toxicity.
Exploring the performance of massively multithreaded architectures
Authors: Bokhari Shahid , Saltz Joel
Published: September 2009

We present a new scheme for evaluating the performance of multithreaded computers and demonstrate its application to the Cray MTA‐2 and XMT supercomputers. Our scheme is based on the concept of clock cycles per element,\documentclass{article}\footskip=0pc\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}${\cal C}$\end{document}, plotted againstbothproblem sizeandthe number of processors. This scheme clearly shows if an implementation has achieved its asymptotic efficiency and is more general than (but includes) the commonly used speedup metric. It permits the discovery of any imperfections in both the software as well as the hardware, and is expected to permit a unified comparison of many different parallel architectures. Measurements on a number of well‐known parallel algorithms, ranging from matrix multiply to quicksort, are presented for the MTA‐2 and XMT and highlight some interesting differences between these machines. The performance of sequence alignment using dynamic programming is evaluated on the MTA‐2, XMT, IBM x3755 and SGI Altix 350 and provides a useful comparison of the capabilities of the Cray machines with more conventional shared memory architectures. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An application of univariate marginal distribution algorithm in MIMO communication systems
Authors: Bashir Sajid , Naeem Muhammad , Khan Adnan Ahmed , Shah Syed Ismail
Published: September 2009

The paper discusses a sequence detector based on univariate marginal distribution algorithm (UMDA) that jointly estimates the symbols transmitted in a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) communication system. While an optimal maximum likelihood detection using an exhaustive search method is prohibitively complex, it has been shown that sphere decoder (SD) achieves the optimal bit error rate (BER) performance with polynomial time complexity for smaller array sizes. However, the worst‐case complexity of SD is exponential in the problem dimensions, this brings in question its practical implementation for larger number of spatial layers and for higher‐order signal constellation. The proposed detector shows promising results for this overly difficult and complicated operating environment, confirmed through simulation results. A performance comparison of the UMDA detector with SD is presented for higher‐order complex MIMO architectures with limited average transmit power. The proposed detector achieves substantial performance gain for higher‐order systems attaining a near optimal BER performance with reduced computational complexity as compared with SD. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of audiobooks on the psychosocial adjustment of pre‐adolescents and adolescents with dyslexia
Authors: Milani Anna , Lorusso Maria Luisa , Molteni Massimo
Published: September 2009

The objective of the present research study was to understand what benefits the use of audiobooks (both school‐books and books of various genres, recorded on digital media) could bring to preadolescents and adolescents with developmental dyslexia. Two groups, each consisting of 20 adolescents, were compared. The experimental group used the audiobooks, while the control group continued to use normal books. After 5 months of experimental training, the experimental group showed a significant improvement in reading accuracy, with reduced unease and emotional–behavioural disorders, as well as an improvement in school performance and a greater motivation and involvement in school activities. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
EU environmental state aid policy: wide implications, narrow participation?
Authors: Flåm Karoline Hægstad
Published: September 2009

This article investigates the 2008 reform of the EU's environmental state aid guidelines, with an eye to determining the degree of external pressure and lobbying towards environmental state aid policies. What is found is a strikingly low level of external pressure on the policy field, not least on the part of the private sector. In fact, EU environmental state aid policy is largely the making of a few Commission officials, without much external ‘interference’. The article discusses possible reasons for this, and asks whether state aid policy‐making might be marked less by clear and established stakeholder interests or stakeholders' utility maximizing, and more by stakeholders constrained by bounded rationality. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Maleamate(–1) and Maleate(–2) Copper(II)–2,2′‐Bipyridine Complexes: Synthesis, Reactivity and Structural and Physical Studies
Authors: Lazarou Katerina N. , Boudalis Athanassios K. , Perlepes Spyros P. , Terzis Aris , Raptopoulou Catherine P.
Published: September 2009

A systematic investigation of the 1:2:1:2 Cu(NO3)·2.5H2O/H2L/bpy/LiOH·H2O (H2L = maleamic acid) reaction system in MeCN/H2O was carried out. The compounds [Cu2(HL)2(bpy)2(H2O)2](NO3)2 (1), [Cu2(HL)2(bpy)2(H2O)2](NO3)2·2H2O (1·2H2O), [Cu2Li2(L′)2(bpy)2(H2O)6][Cu2(HL)2(bpy)2(H2O)2](NO3)4 (2), [Cu4(L′)2(NO3)2(bpy)4(H2O)2](NO3)2·2H2O (3·2H2O) and [Cu(L′)(bpy)]n·2nH2O (4·2nH2O) were isolated, depending on the crystallization method employed. Complexes 2, 3·2H2O and 4·2nH2O contain the maleate(–2) anion (L′2–), which was formed in situ through metal‐ion‐assisted hydrolysis of the primary amide group of H2L. Efforts to prepare complex 3 from the direct use of maleic acid (H2L′) afforded compounds 4·2nH2O, [Cu4(L′)2(NO3)2(bpy)4(H2O)2](NO3)2·2[Li(NO3)(H2O)3]·4H2O (5·4H2O) and [Cu(NO3)(bpy)(H2O)3](NO3) (6) from the 1:1:1:2 Cu(NO3)·2.5H2O/H2L′/bpy/LiOH·H2O reaction system in MeCN/H2O. The maleamate(–1) ligand presents the less common η1:μ2 coordination mode in the cations of 1, 1·2H2O and 2. The maleate(–2) ligand exhibits the η1:η1:η1:η1:μ3 coordination mode in the [CuII4] cations of 3·2H2O and 5·4H2O and in the [CuII2LiI2] heterometallic cation of 2. The crystal structures of the complexes are stabilized by various H‐bonding patterns. Characteristic IR bands of the complexes are discussed in terms of the known structures and the coordination modes of the ligands. Magnetic susceptibility measurements for 3·2H2O reveal weak ferromagnetic interactions along the periphery of the Cu4 rhombus (J = 3.3 cm–1, –2JijSiSj Hamiltonian formalism), which stabilizes an S = 2 ground state. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
New Bifunctional Substrates for Copper‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Conjugate Addition Reactions with Trialkylaluminium
Authors: Ladjel Chehla , Fuchs Nicolas , Zhao Jinkai , Bernardinelli Gérald , Alexakis Alexandre
Published: September 2009

Trialkylaluminium reagents have been found to undergo a copper‐catalyzed asymmetric conjugate addition (ACA) reaction with oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hepta‐2,5‐diene‐2,3‐dicarboxylates with the simultaneous creation of two stereocenters. Different types of ligands were tested, and chiral phosphoramidite ligands allowed the reaction to proceed with good yields and good to excellent enantioselectivity. The syn substitution product observed by X‐ray analysis suggests an exo attack of the nucleophile. Herein we report the results obtained in the development of this copper‐catalyzed ACA methodology, which affords an all‐carbon quaternary center with unsubstituted and substituted oxacyclic Michael acceptors. The study was completed by mechanistic investigations performed to elucidate the original reaction pathway. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Revisiting Eurocode 8 formulae for periods of vibration and their employment in linear seismic analysis
Authors: Crowley Helen , Pinho Rui
Published: September 2009

The period of vibration is a fundamental parameter in the force‐based design of structures as this parameter defines the spectral acceleration and thus the base shear force to which the building should be designed. This paper takes a critical look at the way in which seismic design codes around the world have allowed the designer to estimate the period of vibration for use in both linear static and dynamic analysis. Based on this review, some preliminary suggestions are made for updating the clauses related to the estimation of the periods of vibration in Eurocode 8. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Constraining paleo PGA values by numerical analysis of overturned columns
Authors: Yagoda‐Biran Gony , Hatzor Yossef H.
Published: September 2009

The estimated peak ground acceleration (PGA) for a specific region cannot always be determined reliably from compilation and statistical analyses of instrumental data acquired because of the relatively short time window available for such an approach, typically up to 100 years of instrumentation. We propose a complimentary approach for estimating PGA in a specific region, through back analysis of seismically driven column collapse in historic monuments, using the numerical discrete element discontinuous deformation analysis (DDA) method. Preliminary threshold ‘paleo PGA’ values thus obtained constrain the lower bound of PGA estimates using information from a much broader time window, in the case study presented here of approximately 1200 years. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Empirical analysis of path effects on prediction equations of pseudo‐velocity response spectra in northern Japan
Authors: Dhakal Yadab P. , Takai Nobuo , Sasatani Tsutomu
Published: September 2009

We study path effects on prediction equations of pseudo‐velocity response spectra (natural period of 0.1–5.0 s) in northern Japan, where heterogeneous attenuation structure exists. The path effects have been examined by comparing the regression analysis results for two different prediction equations. The first equation consists of a single term of anelastic attenuation conventionally. The second equation consists of two terms of anelastic attenuation in consideration of the heterogeneous attenuation structure. In the second equation, we divide a source‐to‐site distance into two distances at the attenuation boundary beneath the volcanic front. The boundary is considered to separate the relatively high Q fore‐arc side mantle wedge (FAMW) from the low Q back‐arc side mantle wedge (BAMW). Strong motion records (hypocentral distances less than 300 km) from interplate and intraslab events with Mw 5.1–7.3 are used. Regression analysis results show that the standard errors are significantly reduced by the second prediction equation at short periods (0.1–0.5 s), whereas the difference in standard errors from both prediction equations is negligible at intermediate and long periods. The Qs values (quality factor for S‐wave) converted from two anelastic attenuation coefficients for the second prediction equation are remarkably similar to the path‐averaged Qs values for the FAMW and BAMW by other studies using spectral inversion method. From these findings, we conclude that the path effects on the prediction equation of pseudo‐velocity response spectra are satisfactorily accomplished by the second prediction equation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wind power and hydrogen generation system with cooperatively controlled three‐level NPC‐VSC based energy capacitor
Authors: Muyeen S. M. , Takahashi R. , Tamura J.
Published: September 2009

One of the recent challenges for transmission system operators (TSO) or power grid companies is to smoothen the output power fluctuation of wind generator due to the random variation of wind speed. In addition to the output power fluctuation of fixed‐speed wind turbine generator system (WTGS), it suffers greatly from terminal voltage fluctuation. The fixed capacitor bank connected to its terminal cannot maintain constant terminal voltage under randomly varying wind speed. On the other hand, besides the continuous growth of wind power, hydrogen generation system is also becoming very popular nowadays using the electrical energy from wind power plants. This study proposes a three‐level neutral point clamped voltage source converter (NPC‐VSC) based energy capacitor system (ECS), composed of electric double layer capacitor (EDLC) and power electronic converters, to smoothen output power and terminal voltage fluctuations of grid connected fixed speed wind farm. A simple low pass filter (LPF) is adopted in this study to generate the power reference of ECS. Another salient feature of this study is the generation of hydrogen by using wind generator output power. Effective topology of wind power and hydrogen generation system with cooperatively controlled NPC‐VSC based ECS is proposed from the cost and performance points of view. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bad data analysis in power system measurement estimation using complex artificial neural network based on the extended complex Kalman filter
Authors: Huang Chien‐Hung , Lee Chien‐Hsing , Shih Kuang‐Rong , Wang Yaw‐Juen
Published: September 2009

This paper proposes a method for bad data analysis in power system measurement estimation using complex artificial neural network (CANN) based on the extended complex Kalman filter (ECKF). The proposed algorithm is better in noise immunity since the link weighting in the CANN can be automatically adjusted with trained data through the ECKF. Moreover, the CANN is quite suitable for complex training data such as complex power in a power system since its input and output performs a nonlinear mapping. Four systems including a 6‐bus system, the IEEE 30‐bus system, IEEE 118‐bus system, and a practical system are used as examples to verify the feasibility of the ECKF‐CANN approach. Results show the proposed algorithm has increased sensitivity in identifying gross measurement errors with respect to the standard ANN. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coupled solution of the species conservation equations using unstructured finite‐volume method
Authors: Kumar Ankan , Mazumder Sandip
Published: September 2009

A coupled solver was developed to solve the species conservation equations on an unstructured mesh with implicit spatial as well as species‐to‐species coupling. First, the computational domain was decomposed into sub‐domains comprised of geometrically contiguous cells—a process similar to additive Schwarz decomposition. This was done using the binary spatial partitioning algorithm. Following this step, for each sub‐domain, the discretized equations were developed using the finite‐volume method, and solved using an iterative solver based on Krylov sub‐space iterations, that is, the pre‐conditioned generalized minimum residual solver. Overall (outer) iterations were then performed to treat explicitness at sub‐domain interfaces and nonlinearities in the governing equations. The solver is demonstrated for both two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional geometries for laminar methane–air flame calculations with 6 species and 2 reaction steps, and for catalytic methane–air combustion with 19 species and 24 reaction steps. It was found that the best performance is manifested for sub‐domain size of 2000 cells or more, the exact number depending on the problem at hand. The overall gain in computational efficiency was found to be a factor of 2–5 over the block (coupled) Gauss–Seidel procedure. All calculations were performed on a single processor machine. The largest calculations were performed for about 355 000 cells (4.6 million unknowns) and required 900 MB of peak runtime memory and 19 h of CPU on a single processor. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chromium Poisoning of LSM/YSZ and LSCF/CGO Composite Cathodes
Authors: Bentzen J. J. , Høgh J. V. T. , Barfod R. , Hagen A.
Published: September 2009

An electrochemical study of SOFC cathode degradation, due to poisoning by chromium oxide vapours, was performed applying 3‐electrode set‐ups. The cathode materials comprised LSM/YSZ and LSCF/CGO composites, whereas the electrolyte material was 8YSZ. The degradation of the cathode performance was investigated as a function of time under a current load of 0.2 or 0.4 A cm–2 and in the presence of Cr2O3 at 850 and 750 °C in air, dry or water saturated at room temperature, and compared to that of non‐Cr exposed reference specimens tested under, otherwise, the same conditions. This involved continuous logging of the DC current, and the voltage between the reference electrode and the working electrode in the 3‐electrode set‐up combined with frequent AC impedance measurements under current load which would allow the deduction of the cathode polarisation resistance (Rp). The duration of the tests ranged from 300 to 2,970 h. Both LSM/YSZ and LSCF/CGO cathodes were sensitive to chromium poisoning; LSCF/CGO cathodes to a lesser extent than LSM/YSZ. Humid air aggravated the degradation of the cathode performance. Post‐mortem electron microscopic investigations revealed several Cr‐containing compounds filling up the microstructure of the cathodes.
Validation of BaIn0.3Ti0.7O2.85 as SOFC Electrolyte with Nd2NiO4, LSM and LSCF as Cathodes
Authors: Letilly M. , Le Gal La Salle A. , Caldes M. , Marrony M. , Joubert O.
Published: September 2009

Due to its high ionic conductivity level, BaIn0.3Ti0.7O2.85 (BIT07) is a potential electrolyte material for SOFC. In order to validate the use of this material, its chemical, mechanical and electromechanical compatibilities with three classical cathode materials (La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 – δ (LSM), La0.58Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3 – δ (LSCF) and Nd2NiO4 + δ) have been tested. The chemical compatibility has been demonstrated by XRD experiments, which show that BIT07 does not react with the cathode materials below 1,000 °C. The mechanical compatibility has been investigated by combining measurements of the thermal expansion coefficients of the cathode materials from X‐ray thermo diffraction and SEM observations. Symmetrical cells cathode/electrolyte/cathode have been studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in order to quantify the quality of the cathode/electrolyte interface and to study the long‐term stability of the cell. The main conclusion of the study is that LSCF presents the best compromise between an acceptable mechanical compatibility and very good electrical properties with BIT07.
Ontology‐based resource management
Authors: Kantola Jussi I.
Published: September 2009

Managers face many difficulties in managing organizational resources, with problems arising from multi‐objectiveness, lack of holism, subjective understanding, different perceptions, vagueness, and complexity. This work presents an ontology‐based management framework that aims to reduce the number of difficulties related to organizational resource management. In this framework, organizational resources are considered ontologies. The technological part of the framework includes an online repository and an interpreter for ontologies; the repository provides global access to ontologies, and the interpreter enables reasoning based on meanings. Introspection and extrospection create unique instances of the ontologies. When these unique instances are used, it is possible to manage organizational resources in a new way. This management method uses situational perceptions and aspirations for the future of organizational resources. Currently the new framework is in use in the private sector, the municipal sector, and in several universities in the world. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development of personal and organizational competencies in a technology company
Authors: Paajanen Petri , Porkka Pasi , Paukku Henri , Vanharanta Hannu
Published: September 2009

This article aims to illustrate how the Co‐Evolute methodology can be applied to capture the proactive vision of the personnel of a technology company in terms of personal development and organizational development, from the viewpoint of learning and knowledge creation. The Co‐Evolute methodology was developed at Tampere University of Technology in Pori, Finland. The methodology uses ontology engineering to support the use of several specific fuzzy applications on the Internet. Four different applications are tested here: one to evaluate a person's physical competencies; one to evaluate the project manager's generic and specific competencies; one to evaluate the organizational environment from the viewpoint of new knowledge creation; and one to evaluate the organizational environment from the viewpoint of learning. The results of an empirical study carried out in the subsidiary of a multinational technology company in Finland are also presented in this article. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Unfamiliar face recognition in children with autistic spectrum disorders
Authors: Wilson Rebecca R. , Blades Mark , Coleman Mike , Pascalis Olivier
Published: September 2009

We investigated unfamiliar face recognition in low‐functioning children with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) using a ‘part‐of‐face’ method. This method has not previously been used for unfamiliar faces with this population. The ‘part‐of‐face’ procedure provides measures of both face recognition accuracy and of processing style. We compared the performance of the children with ASD with three control groups: children with developmental delay (DD), typically developing (TD) children matched for verbal cognitive ability and TD children matched for chronological age (CA). Compared to the DD group, the ASD group showed similar processing in recognition accuracy and processing style. Compared to the TD children, the ASD group did not show the same level of accuracy as controls of the same CA, instead showing similar performance to younger TD children. However, as both children with ASD and DD showed the same performance, no ASD‐specific deficit was found. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stock return predictability and dividend‐price ratio: a nonlinear approach
Authors: McMillan David G. , Wohar Mark E.
Published: September 2009

This paper examines the forecasting ability of the dividend–price ratio for international stock market returns. Hitherto, existing research has only considered this issue in sample and in a linear framework. Hence, this paper provides the first systematic study of non‐linear forecasting within the present value model context. Using an asymmetric variant of the popular exponential smooth‐transition (ESTR) model we demonstrate the superior forecasting ability for the G7 markets over both a linear and symmetric ESTR model on the basis of a variety of forecast performance tests. In particular, the asymmetric‐ESTR model provides improved mean forecast error metrics that are largely significant on the basis of forecast equality tests. Furthermore, in a trading rule exercise this models provides superior trading returns. As a final exercise we compare the forecasting performance of the individual models with those obtained through forecast combination. These results support the individual models on the basis of forecast error tests but suggest the combination strategy may be more profitable. These results are of importance not only for model builders but also for market participants looking to undertake active investment strategies. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of 100 mT SMF on activation of the hsp70 promoter in a heat shock/luciferase reporter system
Authors: Belton Michelle , Rozanski Camilla , Prato Frank S. , Carson Jeffrey J.L.
Published: September 2009

Human exposure to magnetic fields, increased through use of new technologies like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), has prompted investigations into possible effects of static magnetic fields (SMFs) on cellular processes. However, controversy still remains between many studies, which likely results from a lack of uniformity across experimental parameters, including the length of magnetic field exposure, the strength of the magnetic field, and the cell type or organism under investigation. The purpose of this research was to monitor effects of SMF exposure using real‐time luminescence photometry. The study investigated the potential interaction of a 100 mT SMF on a heat shock protein (hsp70)/luciferase reporter construct in stably transfected NIH3T3 cells. Changes in heat shock promoter activation following 100 mT SMF exposure were analyzed and detected as bioluminescence in real‐time. Two heat parameters were considered in combination with sham‐ and 100 mT‐exposed experiments: no heat or 1,800 s heat. As expected, there was a significant increase in bioluminescence in response to 1,800 s of heat alone. However, no significant difference in average hsp70 promoter activation between sham and 100 mT experiments was observed for no heat or 1,800 s heat experiments. Therefore, a 100 mT SMF was shown to have no effect on the activation of the heat shock protein promoter during SMF exposure or when SMF exposure was combined with a heat insult. J. Cell. Biochem. 108: 956–962, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Epac1‐induced cellular proliferation in prostate cancer cells is mediated by B‐Raf/ERK and mTOR signaling cascades
Authors: Misra Uma Kant , Pizzo Salvatore Vincent
Published: September 2009

cAMP‐dependent, PKA‐independent effects on cell proliferation are mediated by cAMP binding to EPAC and activation of Rap signaling. In this report, we employed the analogue 8‐CPT‐2‐O‐Me‐cAMP to study binding to EPAC and subsequent activation of B‐Raf/ERK and mTOR signaling in human cancer cells. This compound significantly stimulated DNA synthesis, protein synthesis, and cellular proliferation of human 1‐LN prostate cancer cells. By study of phosphorylation‐dependent activation, we demonstrate that EPAC‐mediated cellular effects require activation of the B‐Raf/ERK and mTOR signaling cascades. RNAi directed against EPAC gene expression as well as inhibitors of ERK, PI 3‐kinase, and mTOR were employed to further demonstrate the role of these pathways in regulating prostate cancer cell proliferation. These studies were then extended to several other human prostate cancer cell lines and melanoma cells with comparable results. We conclude that B‐Raf/ERK and mTOR signaling play an essential role in cAMP‐dependent, but PKA‐independent, proliferation of cancer cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 108: 998–1011, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Subcellular localization and phosphorylation of antizyme 2
Authors: Murai Noriyuki , Shimizu Akihiro , Murakami Yasuko , Matsufuji Senya
Published: September 2009

Antizymes (AZs) are polyamine‐induced proteins that negatively regulate cellular polyamine synthesis and uptake. Three antizyme isoforms are conserved among mammals. AZ1 and AZ2 have a broad tissue distribution, while AZ3 is testis specific. Both AZ1 and AZ2 inhibit ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity by binding to ODC monomer and target it to the 26S proteasome at least in vivo. Both also inhibit extra‐cellular polyamine uptake. Despite their being indistinguishable by these criteria, we show here using enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)‐AZ2 fusion protein that in mammalian cells, the subcellular location of AZ2 is mainly in the nucleus, and is different from that of AZ1. The C‐terminal part of AZ2 is necessary for the nuclear distribution. Within a few hours, a shift in the distribution of EGFP‐AZ2 fusion protein from cytoplasm to the nucleus or from nucleus to cytoplasm is observable in NIH3T3 cells. In addition, we found that in cells a majority of AZ2, but not AZ1, is phosphorylated at Ser‐186, likely by protein kinase CK2. There may be a specific function of AZ2 in the nucleus. J. Cell. Biochem. 108: 1012–1021, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
p38 MAPK mediated in compressive stress‐induced chondrogenesis of rat bone marrow MSCs in 3D alginate scaffolds
Authors: Li Juan , Zhao Zhihe , Yang Jingyuan , Liu Jun , Wang Jun , Li Xiaoyu , Liu Yurong
Published: September 2009

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are well known to have the capability to form bone and cartilage, and chondrogenesis derived from MSCs is reported to be affected by mechanical stimuli. This research was aimed to study the effects of cyclic compressive stress on the chondrogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow‐derived MSCs (BMSCs) which were encapsulated in alginate scaffolds and cultured with or without chondrogenic medium, and to investigate the role of p38 MAPK phospho‐relay cascade in this process. The results show that the gene expression of chondrocyte‐specific markers of Col2α1, aggrecan, Sox9, Runx2, and Ihh was upregulated by dynamic compressive stress introduced at the 8th day of chondrogenic differentiation in vitro. The p38 MAPK was activated by chondrogenic cytokines in a slow and lagged way, but activated by cyclic compressive stimulation in a rapid and transient manner. And inhibition of p38 activity with SB203580 suppressed gene expression of chondrocyte‐specific genes stimulated by chondrogenic medium and (or) cyclic compressive stress. These findings suggest that p38 MAPK signal acts as an essential mediator in the mechano‐biochemical transduction and subsequent transcriptional regulation in the process of chondrogenesis. J. Cell. Physiol. 221: 609–617, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Notch signalling and haematopoietic stem cell formation during embryogenesis
Authors: Gering Martin , Patient Roger
Published: September 2009

The Notch signalling pathway is repeatedly employed during embryonic development and adult homeostasis of a variety of tissues. In particular, its frequent involvement in the regulation of stem and progenitor cell maintenance and proliferation, as well as its role in binary fate decisions in cells that are destined to differentiate, is remarkable. Here, we review its role in the development of haematopoietic stem cells during vertebrate embryogenesis and put it into the context of Notch's functions in arterial specification, angiogenic vessel sprouting and vessel maintenance. We further discuss interactions with other signalling cascades, and pinpoint open questions and some of the challenges that lie ahead. J. Cell. Physiol. 222:11–16, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Both B1R and B2R act as intermediate signaling molecules in high glucose‐induced stimulation of glutamate uptake in ARPE cells
Authors: Lim Seul Ki , Han Ho Jae , Kim Kye Yeop , Park Soo Hyun
Published: September 2009

Bradykinin (BK) is a potent modulator of biological processes in the retina, and retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE) and the regulation of glutamate are believed to be important in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. However, the mechanism by which BK regulates glutamate uptake in RPE cells in diabetic retinopathy is unknown. Here, we examined the involvement of BK receptors in high glucose‐induced dysfunction of glutamate uptake in human ARPE cells. High glucose stimulated glutamate uptake and the expression of excitatory amino acid transporter‐4 (EAAT4) mRNA, and these were blocked by treatment with small interfering RNA (siRNA) for BK1 receptor (B1R) and BK2 receptor (B2R), but not scrambled siRNA, supporting an involvement of B1R and B2R in this process. High glucose‐stimulated glutamate uptake was also blocked by the B1R antagonist [des‐Arg10]‐HOE 140 and the B2R antagonist HOE 140. High glucose increased B1R and B2R mRNA and protein expression in a time‐dependent manner, increased B1R and B2R translocation from the cytosol to the nucleus, and stimulated kininogen, kallikrein, and kininase I mRNA expression. We examined whether BK receptors were involved in high glucose‐induced signaling pathways. High glucose stimulated arachidonic acid release, cytosolic phospholipase A2 and cyclooxygenase‐2 proteins, nuclear factor‐κB activation, and inhibitor‐κB activation; these events were blocked by treatment with B1R and B2R siRNAs, but not scrambled siRNA. In addition, high glucose‐induced stimulation of glutamate uptake was blocked by the cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitors arachidonyl trifluoromethyl ketone, mepacrine, 5‐bromo‐2‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐3‐[4‐(methyl‐sulfonyl)phenyl]‐thiophene, and N‐[2‐cyclohexyloxy‐4‐nitrophenyl] methane‐sulfonamide, and by the nuclear factor‐κB inhibitors pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate and SN‐50. J. Cell. Physiol. 221: 677–687, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.