bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Information system integration model of manufacturing enterprise based on object process methodology and its application
Authors: Shen Qinghong , Su Hongye
Published: February 2012

Manufacturing industry needs a more effective and unified information system to meet market demand changes and societal/environmental requirements. This paper compares two system modeling approaches, Object Process Methodology (OPM) and Unified Modeling Language (UML), to find out the advantages of OPM in modeling the information system integration models proposed in the international standard International Electrotechnical Commission/International Organization for Standardization (IEC/ISO) 62264 (an adoption of International Society of Automation SP95). This paper rebuilds the information system integration models in IEC/ISO 62264 based on OPM instead of UML. The application in an oil refinery factory verifies the effectiveness of these models and the convenience of OPM. © 2012 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanical and thermal properties of polymethylmethacrylate bone cement composites incorporated with hydroxyapatite and glass‐ceramic fillers
Authors: Hamizah A. S. , Mariatti M. , Othman R. , Kawashita M. , Noor Hayati A. R.
Published: February 2012

A new bioactive glass‐ceramic based on the Na2OCaOSiO2P2O5 glass system was used as bioactive filler in commercial polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cement; (PALACOS® LV). The results of this newly fabricated glass‐ceramic were compared with those of hydroxyapatite (HA) filler. PMMA bone cement containing 0, 4, 8, 12, or 16 wt % glass‐ceramic and HA were prepared. The effects of bioactive fillers and different filler loadings on mechanical and thermal properties were evaluated. Results show that flexural strength decreased, while flexural modulus increased as filler loading was amplified. Fracture toughness was also observed. Results of thermogravimetric analysis indicate that the thermal stability of the cement composites increased with increasing glass‐ceramic and HA contents. Dynamic mechanical analysis shows that the addition of glass‐ceramic fillers resulted in an increase in storage modulus and Tg. Apatite morphology was observed on the surface of the glass‐ceramic, GCBC4, and GCBC8 after a bioactivity test. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Chemiluminescence determination of sulphite using a cyclometalated iridium complex as chemiluminescence reagent
Authors: Wu Fanghui , Tong Bihai , Wei Xianwen , Chen Le
Published: February 2012

A simple, fast and accurate chemiluminescence (CL) method for the determination of sulphite has been developed, based on its sensitizing effect on the CL reaction between a novel water‐soluble iridium complex, [(dpci)2Ir(bvbbi)](PF6) (dpci = 3,4‐diphenylcinnoline; bvbbi = N,N′‐bivinylester‐1H,1′H‐[2,2′] bibenzimidazole) and cerium(IV). Under the optimal experimental conditions, the increased CL response was linear, with the concentration of sulphite over the range 5.0 × 10–7–5.0 × 10–4 mol/L. The detection limit of the method was 1.6 × 10–7 mol/L, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 2.7% for nine repetitive determination of 1.0 × 10–4 mol/L sulphite. The method was successfully applied to the quantitative analysis of sulphite in sugar samples. The possible reaction mechanism of sulphite on the [(dpci)2Ir(bvbbi)](PF6)–cerium(IV) system is also briefly discussed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The comparative research on constituents of Radix Aconiti and its processing by HPLC quadrupole TOF‐MS
Authors: Wu Jian , Hong Bo , Wang Jia , Wang Xi , Niu Sijia , Zhao Chunjie
Published: February 2012

Based upon the regulations stipulated by the State Food and Drug Administration of China, only the processed, detoxified tubers and roots of Aconitum are allowed to be administered orally, used in clinical decoctions and adopted as raw materials for pharmaceutical manufacturing, so the processing principle of preparation of Radix Aconiti is important for ensuring the Radix Aconiti praeparata quality. A simple approach was described for HPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MS screening and identification of many of the aconitine alkaloids present in unprocessed Radix Aconiti and Radix Aconiti praeparata. To compare their fingerprints, the processing principle of preparation of Radix Aconiti was developed. Twenty‐nine compounds and 26 compounds were assigned to aconitine alkaloids and tentatively identified by comparing accurate mass and fragments information with that of the authentic standards or by mass spectrometry analysis and retrieving the reference literature. The nonester alkaloids were almost the same. The diester diterpene alkaloids were decreased, the monoester‐diterpene alkaloids were increased and lipo‐alkaloids decreased obviously in the processing of the preparation. These transformed components could be regarded as potential chemical markers that can be used to distinguish between raw and processed herbs. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validation and application of a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometric method for the determination of GDC‐0834 and its metabolite in human plasma using semi‐automated 96‐well protein precipitation
Authors: Shin Young G. , Jones Steve A. , Murakami Stan C. , Liu Lichuan , Wong Harvey , Buonarati Michael H. , Hop Cornelis E. C. A.
Published: February 2012

A liquid chromatographic–tandem mass spectrometric (LC‐MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the determination of GDC‐0834 and its amide hydrolysis metabolite (M1) in human plasma to support clinical development. The method consisted of semi‐automated 96‐well protein precipitation extraction for sample preparation and LC‐MS/MS analysis in positive ion mode using TurboIonSpray® for analysis. D6‐GDC‐0834 and D6‐M1 metabolite were used as internal standards. A linear regression (weighted 1/concentration2) was used to fit calibration curves over the concentration range of 1 – 500 ng/mL for both GDC‐0834 and M1 metabolite. The accuracy (percentage bias) at the lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) was 5.20 and 0.100% for GDC‐0834 and M1 metabolite, respectively. The precision (CV) for samples at the LLOQ was 3.13–8.84 and 5.20–8.93% for GDC‐0834 and M1 metabolite, respectively. For quality control samples at 3, 200 and 400 ng/mL, the between‐run CV was ≤7.38% for GDC‐0834 and ≤8.20% for M1 metabolite. Between run percentage bias ranged from −2.76 to 6.98% for GDC‐0834 and from −6.73 to 2.21% for M1 metabolite. GDC‐0834 and M1 metabolite were stable in human plasma for 31 days at −20 and −70°C. This method was successfully applied to support a GDC‐0834 human pharmacokinetic‐based study. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A First Principles‐Based Microkinetic Model for the Conversion of Fructose to 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural
Authors: Nikbin Nima , Caratzoulas Stavros , Vlachos Dionisios G.
Published: February 2012

We have tested and discussed the accuracy of hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics molecular dynamics free energy calculations for the investigation of the mechanism of dehydration of biomass‐derived carbohydrates in solution. In this respect and taking into account earlier calculations of this type, we have developed a microkinetic model for the dehydration of fructose to 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in acidic water and embedded it in a reaction network that includes fructose and HMF degradation reactions. Sensitivity analysis of the kinetic model has shown the rate‐limiting step of the reaction network under consideration to be an intramolecular hydride transfer that takes place right after the first water removal from fructose. We predict the formation of two stable intermediates, one of which is structurally similar to the (4R,5R)‐4‐hydroxy‐5‐hydroxymethyl‐4,5‐dihydrofuran‐2‐carbaldehyde intermediate identified by NMR studies in pure DMSO solution. We find remarkable agreement between calculated and experimental concentration profiles over a wide range of temperatures and over the entire range of timescales considered in the kinetic study of Asghari and Yoshida. We demonstrate that the microkinetic model cannot capture the correct temperature dependence of the rates unless one uses Marcus theory rate constants for those elementary steps of the mechanism that involve hydride transfer. The computed apparent activation energy and Arrhenius frequency factor for fructose conversion to HMF are also found to be in excellent agreement with those obtained from experiments.
Production and Properties of Highly Concentrated CNT Dispersions
Authors: Eiden Stefanie , Duff Daniel , Stein Sigrun , Wetzold Nora
Published: February 2012

Verfahren zur Herstellung hochkonzentrierter Carbon Nanotube (CNT)‐Dispersion wurden evaluiert und entwickelt, wobei der Einfluss der Dispergierhilfsmittel variiert wurde. Als Dispergierhilfsmittel zeigten besonders Polyvinylpyrrolidon, Ligninsulfonsäure und Polystyrolsulfonsäure sehr gute Dispergierwirkung. Die Leitfähigkeit sowie auch die Viskosität werden sehr stark von den Dispergierhilfsmitteln beeinflusst. Die Dispersionen können durch Formulierhilfsmittel zu Siebdruck‐ und Inkjet‐Tinten formuliert werden und zeigen in der Anwendung eine sehr gute Performance.
Dispersing Behavior of Non‐Modified and Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Dresel Alexander , Teipel Ulrich
Published: February 2012

Anwendungen von Carbon Nanotubes erfordern häufig deren Dispergierung in anorganischen oder organischen Lösemitteln. Die Funktionalisierung ist eine chemische Methode mit der Carbon Nanotubes durch die kovalente Bindung funktioneller Gruppen an der Partikeloberfläche modifiziert werden können, um die Integration der Partikel in Matrizen zur Herstellung neuartiger Kompositmaterialien zu verbessern. In dieser Arbeit werden Untersuchungen der Dispergierbarkeit verschiedener funktionalisierter im Vergleich zu nicht‐modifizierten Carbon Nanotubes vorgestellt.
Fabrication of Optimized Nanocomposites Employing Chemically Modified Nanoparticles
Authors: Cheema Tarik Ali , Garnweitner Georg
Published: February 2012

Die Herstellung von transparenten Nanokompositen mit verbesserten mechanischen Eigenschaften durch den Einsatz hoch stabiler ZrO2‐Nanopartikeldispersionen wird vorgestellt. Die Dispersionen wurden mittels chemischer Stabilisierung durch eine einfache Rührreaktion im Anschluss an die Nanopartikelsynthese erhalten. Die Nanokomposite zeigen bei einem ZrO2‐Gehalt von nur 2 Gew.‐% eine deutliche Erhöhung der Zugfestigkeit von bis zu 11 % und eine Erhöhung des E‐Moduls um bis zu 11 %, wobei eine starke Abhängigkeit der Eigenschaften von der Einbettungsmethode festzustellen ist.
Application of Nickel Complexes Modified by Tridentate O,N,O′‐Ligands as Precatalysts in Nickel‐Catalyzed C(sp2)–C(sp3) Bond Formations
Authors: Someya Chika I. , Inoue Shigeyoshi , Krackl Sebastian , Irran Elisabeth , Enthaler Stephan
Published: February 2012

1‐Acetyl‐ [1a; 3,5‐CF3, 1‐C(=O)CH3] and 1‐benzoyl‐5‐hydroxypyrazolines [1b; 3,5‐CF3, 1‐C(=O)C6H5] have been synthesized and treated with Ni(OAc)2·4H2O in the presence of an excess of base [NH3 or 4‐(dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP)] to form the nickel complexes 4a–c. These complexes have been characterized by various techniques, which indicate a tridentate coordination mode of the ligands. X‐ray crystallography determined an O,N,O′‐coordination of the ligands, in which the ligand is planar, the oxygen donors are trans to each other, and the nitrogen donor is in a cis position. The other coordination sites on the nickel centre are occupied by the added base molecules (NH3 or DMAP). The number of NH3 or DMAP ligands depends on the nature of the base; in the case of ammonia, one molecule is coordinated to the nickel centre to form a diamagnetic square‐planar complex, whereas with DMAP, an octahedral paramagnetic complex with three additional DMAP ligands was observed. Initial catalytic experiments have been performed by applying the complexes in the nickel‐catalyzed C(sp2)–C(sp3) cross‐coupling of aryl halides with benzylzinc bromides or dialkylzinc reagents; excellent yields and selectivities have been achieved.
Autonomous Motivation: A Predictor of Treatment Outcome in Bulimia‐Spectrum Eating Disorders
Authors: Mansour Sandra , Bruce Kenneth R. , Steiger Howard , Zuroff David C. , Horowitz Sarah , Anestin Annelie S. , Sycz Lindsay
Published: February 2012

Individuals with eating disorders are said to be highly ambivalent towards change and thus have difficulty maintaining a commitment to, and motivation for, treatment. Self‐Determination Theory postulates that autonomous motivation for therapy exists when individuals view their participation as freely chosen.

Objective

The present study was designed to ascertain whether or not autonomous motivation was associated with treatment response in individuals with bulimia‐spectrum eating disorders (BSED).

Method

One hundred and fifty‐five women with DSM‐IV‐TR BSED participated in multimodal group therapy and completed measures to assess motivation, eating and comorbid symptoms.

Results

Hierarchical multiple regression analyses demonstrated that higher levels of autonomous motivation at pretreatment predicted lower post‐treatment scores on measures of eating preoccupations (shape, weight and eating concerns), binge eating, anxiety/depression, relationship to self and others and impulsivity.

Discussion

These results indicate that autonomous motivation may be an important predictor of outcome following treatment for BSED. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Feasibility study of exploring a T1‐weighted dynamic contrast‐enhanced MR approach for brain perfusion imaging
Authors: Zhang Yudong , Wang Jing , Wang Xiaoying , Zhang Jue , Fang Jing , Jiang Xuexiang
Published: February 2012

Purpose:

To investigate the feasibility of T1‐weighted dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) MRI for the measurement of brain perfusion.

Materials and Methods:

Dynamic imaging was performed on a 3.0 Tesla (T) MR scanner by using a rapid spoiled‐GRE protocol. T1 measurement with driven equilibrium single pulse observation of T1 (DESPOT1) was used to convert the MR signal to tracer concentration. Cerebral perfusion maps were obtained by using an improved gamma‐variate model in 10 subjects and compared with those with arterial spin label (ASL) approach.

Results:

The cerebral blood volume (CBV) values were calculated as 4.74 ± 1.09 and 2.29 ± 0.58 mL/100 g in gray matter (GM) and whiter matter (WM), respectively. Mean transit time (MTT) values were 6.15 ± 0.59 s in GM and 6.96 ± 0.79 s in WM. The DCE values for GM/WM cerebral blood flow (CBF) were measured as 53.41 ± 9.23 / 25.78 ± 8.91 mL/100 g/min, versus ASL values of 49.05 ± 10.81 / 23.00 ± 5.89 mL/100 g/min for GW/WM. Bland‐Altman plot revealed a small difference of CBF between two approaches (mean bias = 3.83 mL/100 g/min, SD = 11.29). There were 6 pairs of samples (5%, 6/120) beyond the 95% limits of agreement. The correlation plots showed that the slop of Y (CBF_DCE) versus X intercept (CBF_ASL) is 0.95 with the intercept of 4.53 mL/100 g/min (r = 0.74; P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

It is feasible to evaluate the cerebral perfusion by using T1‐weighted DCE‐MRI with the improved kinetic model. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;35:1322–1331. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Syntactic Microvariation
Authors: Brandner Ellen
Published: February 2012

‘Syntactic microvariation’ and ‘microcomparative syntax’ are the terms for a fairly new research approach that applies the theoretical concepts and techniques of modern generative theory to dialectal and other small‐scale variational data. Traditional studies in dialectology aim at a detailed and fine‐grained description of language variants; the ultimate goal being a proper classification of the dialects, their exact areal distribution as well as their historical/diachronic development. For formal generative theory on the other hand, the foremost goal is to model the human language faculty with Universal Grammar as a theory about possible human languages (and how they can be acquired). Microcomparative syntax tries to reconcile these two research traditions by applying the formal theoretical concepts of generative grammar to those ‘minor’, ‘peripheral’, and sometimes kind of ‘squishy’ differences between closely related language variants as they are typically found in dialectal data. Research in microvariation tries to offer new concepts that can account for the range and (limits) of inter‐ and intra‐speaker variation in a principled way while at the same time testing existing formal theories against these microvariational data and thus contributing to the theory of language variation. A profound understanding of microvariation will also open a way to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of language change, given that language change necessarily preconditions variability in the data.
Viability of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Seeded on Crosslinked Entropy‐Elastic Gelatin‐Based Hydrogels
Authors: Pierce Benjamin F. , Pittermann Erik , Ma Nan , Gebauer Tim , Neffe Axel T. , Hölscher Magdalena , Jung Friedrich , Lendlein Andreas
Published: February 2012

Biomimetic polymer network systems with tailorable properties based on biopolymers represent a class of degradable hydrogels that provides sequences for protein adsorption and cell adhesion. Such materials show potential for in vitro MSC proliferation as well as in vivo applications and were obtained by crosslinking different concentrations of gelatin using varying amounts of ethyl lysine diisocyanate in the presence of a surfactant in pH 7.4 PBS solution. Material extracts, which were tested for cytotoxic effects using L929 mouse fibroblasts, were non‐toxic. The hydrogels were seeded with human bone marrow‐derived MSCs and supported viable MSCs for the incubation time of 9 d. Preadsorption of fibronectin on materials improved this biofunctionality.

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A Microfluidic Approach to Encapsulate Living Cells in Uniform Alginate Hydrogel Microparticles
Authors: Martinez Carlos J. , Kim Jin Woong , Ye Congwang , Ortiz Idelise , Rowat Amy C. , Marquez Manuel , Weitz David
Published: February 2012

A microfluidic technique is described to encapsulate living cells in alginate hydrogel microparticles generated from monodisperse double‐emulsion templates. A microcapillary device is used to fabricate double emulsion templates composed of an alginate drop surrounded by a mineral oil shell. Hydrogel formation begins when the alginate drop separates from the mineral oil shell and comes into contact with Ca2+ ions in the continuous phase. Alginate hydrogel microparticles with diameters ranging from 60 to 230 µm are obtained. 65% of the cells encapsulated in the alginate microparticles were viable after one week. The technique provides a useful means to encapsulate the living cells in monodisperse hydrogel microparticles.

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The results of treatment of children with metastatic Wilms tumours (WT) in an African setting: Do liver metastases have a negative impact on survival?
Authors: Aronson Daniel C. , Maharaj Ashwini , Sheik‐Gafoor Mohamed H. , Hadley G.P.
Published: February 2012

Background

From Africa, where socio‐economic circumstances differ from the developed world, there are no data regarding the influence of liver metastases on survival of children with Wilms tumour.

Procedure

One hundred fifty new patients with WT were seen between 2002 and 2010, 45 (30%) had metastases at diagnosis. Seven patients had bilateral disease with additional visceral metastases. Nine patients who developed liver metastases during treatment were excluded. The site of metastases and the results of pretreatment biopsies were retrieved. Neo‐adjuvant chemotherapy was combined with nutritional resuscitation, and aggressive supportive care. Post‐operative treatment was determined by stage and histology.

Results

Liver metastases were present in 19 (42%) patients but were the sole metastatic site in only 4 (9%). Overall survival at 5 years was 58.5%. Event Free Survival was 54%. Thirty‐three (73%) had favourable histology, nine unfavourable and undetermined in three. No influence of histology on outcome was evident. Three patients had resection of persistent liver metastases. The pattern of metastatic disease had no influence on outcome. Despite aggressive supportive care two patients (4%) died within a week of presentation. Two patients died of chemotoxicity and two of complications following biopsy. Eight patients (17%) were lost to follow‐up of whom five were on palliative treatment only.

Conclusions

In Africa liver metastases do not appear to worsen the prognosis of children with Stage IV WT. Despite the poor socio‐economic circumstances survival is comparable to other countries. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012;59:391–394. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Agreement between patients' self‐report and physicians' prescriptions on nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and other drugs used in musculoskeletal disorders: the international Pharmacoepidemiologic General Research eXtension database.
Authors: Grimaldi‐Bensouda Lamiae , Rossignol Michel , Aubrun Elodie , Benichou Jacques , Abenhaim Lucien ,   the PGRx Study Group
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The use of prescription records for the assessment of exposure to nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) does not capture over‐the‐counter drug use. This study compared patients' self‐reported use to physician's prescriptions for NSAIDs and other drugs used to treat musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

Methods

The international Pharmacoepidemiologic General Research eXtension database includes a network of general practitioners recruiting patients without reference to diagnoses or prescriptions. Data on all drug use across France within the 2 years preceding the date of inclusion (index date) were obtained from both patients' self‐reports (PSRs) and physicians' prescription reports (PPRs). Patients' reports were obtained using a structured telephone interview combined with an interview guide containing a list of drugs commonly used. Comparisons were made on exposure to four categories of MSD drugs and three time windows up to 24 months before the index date.

Results

Agreement between physician and patient reports was assessed on 4152 patient‐physician pairs. Bias‐ and prevalence‐adjusted kappa values showed fair agreement for nonaspirin NSAIDs, moderate to fair for nonnarcotic analgesics, high for osteoarthritis and moderate to substantial for muscle relaxants. Over‐the‐counter drug use was associated with greater disagreement (OR = 2.21, 95%CI = 1.05–1.38). Age was not associated with disagreement.

Conclusion

Differences between PSR and PPR in estimating the prevalence of MSD drug use varied by the type of drug and the elapsed time from the index date. The patient‐assisted interview method used in this study showed better agreement with PPR compared with standard interviews, especially for long time windows and patients older than 65 years. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reprogramming of prostate cancer‐associated stromal cells to embryonic stem‐like
Authors: Vêncio Eneida F. , Nelson Angelique M. , Cavanaugh Christopher , Ware Carol B. , Milller Daniel G. , Garcia Julio C.O. , Vêncio Ricardo Z.N. , Loprieno Michelle A. , Liu Alvin Y.
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND

CD90+ prostate cancer‐associated (CP) stromal cells represent a diseased cell type found only in tumor tissue. They differ from their normal counterpart in gene expression and inductive signaling. Genetic reprogramming by induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell technology can effectively change adult cells into stem‐like cells through wholesale alteration of the gene expression program. This technology might be used to ‘erase’ the abnormal gene expression of diseased cells. The resultant iPS cells would no longer express the disease phenotype, and behave like stem cells.

METHODS

CP stromal cells, isolated from tumor tissue of a surgically resected prostate by anti‐CD90‐mediated sorting and cultured in vitro, were transfected with in vitro packaged lentiviral expression vectors containing stem cell transcription factor genes POU5F1, LIN28, NANOG, and SOX2.

RESULTS

Alkaline phosphatase‐positive iPS cells were obtained in about 3 weeks post‐transfection at a frequency of 10−4. Their colony morphology was indistinguishable from that of human embryonic stem (ES) cells. Transcriptome analysis showed a virtually complete match in gene expression between the iPS and ES cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Genes of CP stromal cells could be fully inactivated by genetic reprogramming. As a consequence, the disease phenotype was ‘cured’. Prostate 72:1453–1463, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Regulation of cell proliferation through a KIT‐mediated mechanism in benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Imura Makoto , Kojima Yoshiyuki , Kubota Yasue , Hamakawa Takashi , Yasui Takahiro , Sasaki Shoichi , Hayashi Yutaro , Kohri Kenjiro
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND

We investigated the role of the KIT‐mediated mechanism in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and discuss the pathophysiology of BPH and a candidate target of BPH medical therapy.

METHODS

We performed RT‐PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry to examine the expression of KIT in the prostate using a human prostate stromal cell line (PrSC) and human prostate. To investigate the pathophysiological function of KIT, the effects of KIT ligand, stem cell factor (SCF), and imatinib mesylate on cell proliferation were investigated using PrSC. Additionally, we compared the expression level and distribution of KIT in normal prostate and BPH of humans to clarify the contribution of KIT to the pathogenesis of BPH.

RESULTS

KIT was expressed in PrSC and human prostate, indicating that these samples are suitable for examining the function of KIT. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that KIT was localized in interstitial cells (ICs) of the stromal component in human prostate. Administration of imatinib mesylate dose‐dependently inhibited cell proliferation of PrSC with downregulation of JAK2 and STAT1, which are the main pathways downstream of SCF/KIT signal. SCF promoted cell proliferation of PrSC with upregulation of JAK2 and STAT1. KIT expression and the number of KIT‐positive ICs in BPH were found to be significantly larger than in normal prostate.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first report to suggest that KIT regulates cell proliferation in the prostate and plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of BPH. Our study may lead to a greater understanding of the mechanism of BPH and provide a therapeutic target. Prostate 72:1506–1513, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
QR‐SCMEH‐MO calculations on the complex [Pt (SnCl3)5]3−: Electronic structure, UV–visible spectrum, magnetic properties, and bond energy
Authors: Boudreaux Edward A.
Published: February 2012

A molecular orbital study via the QR‐SCMEH‐MO (quasi‐relativistic self consistent modified extended Hűckel molecular orbital) method has been carried out on the unusual Pt 5‐ coordinated complex Pt (SnCl3). The computed UV–Visible spectral data and NMR parameters are found to be in good agreement with the reported experimental values. In addition, the magnetic susceptibility and PtSn bond energy have been calculated, although there are no reported experimental data with which to compare these results. PtSn bond energies of other Pt‐SnX3 (X = Cl, Br) systems and are compared with proposed bond energy trends based on NMR and observed bond distances. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Interfacial dipole and band bending in model pentacene/C60 heterojunctions
Authors: Idé Julien , Mothy Sébastien , Savoyant Adrien , Fritsch Alain , Aurel Philippe , Méreau Raphaël , Ducasse Laurent , Cornil Jérôme , Beljonne David , Castet Frédéric
Published: February 2012

Quantum‐chemical calculations are performed at the semiempirical Valence‐Bond/Hartree–Fock level on model 1D aggregates to assess the electronic structure at pentacene/C60 heterojunctions. We show that the asymmetry of the electrostatic potential at the interface profoundly impacts the energy landscape explored by the charges, as they move away from the interface. Depending on the orientation of the pentacene molecules with respect to the interface, electrostatic effects may favor either the charge recombination or separation process. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collapse of Cr(OH)3/n‐Si Schottky barrier and growth of atomic bridging–type surface photovoltages in Cr‐deposited n‐type Si(001) wafers
Authors: Shimizu Hirofumi , Sanada Yuji
Published: February 2012

In Cr aqueous solution–rinsed n‐type Si(001) wafers, long air exposure at room temperature and/or thermal oxidation for a short time (10 min) at 100 °C collapses the Cr(OH)3/n‐Si Schottky barrier, transforming into the atomic bridging–type (Cr‐induced negative charge) surface photovoltage (SPV). For further duration time of oxidation at 100 °C, frequency‐dependent AC SPV reappears, indicating the occurrence and growth of a negative charge in SiO2 thin films possibly because of the formation of a (CrOSi)− or CrO2− network. At 200 °C for 10 min, the AC SPV frequency becomes proportional to 1/f (f, frequency), resulting in a strongly inverted state. This result provides evidence that the translation from the Schottky barrier to the atomic bridging–type AC SPV occurs and thus the Cr‐induced negative charge can be described as (CrOSi)− and/or CrO2− networks as well as (AlOSi)− or (FeOSi)− demonstrated previously. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of Oxidized Cornstarch as a Nonphosphoric Detergent Builder
Authors: Sheng Ye , Xu Xuechun , Jiang Wenyong , Song Yanhua , Gan Shucai , Zou Haifeng
Published: February 2012

Oxidized cornstarch, which is only composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen elements, was used as a builder in detergent formulations to reduce the hardness of water. Therefore, the calcium binding capacity of these oxidized cornstarch samples was tested and the relative detersive efficiency of the self‐made detergent with oxidized cornstarch builder was also evaluated. The results show that higher Ca2+ binding capacities 104.5 mg/g can be obtained when the synthesis is carried out at 100 °C for 3 h in conjunction with the addition of 21 g NaOH. The detersive efficiency can reach 1.28 which is equivalent to the other detergent powders. In addition, the biodegradability of the oxidized cornstarch was judged as being adequate by the China National Center for Quality Supervision and Test of Plastic Products. Compared with the traditional detergent builders, the oxidized cornstarch is water‐soluble, environmentally friendly, and cheap, with an equivalent performance to traditional detergent builders.
Better, a surgeon’s notes on performance: Atul Gawande: Profile Books, London,
2008
Authors: Scheele Fedde
Published: February 2012

None
Large eddy simulation of a pulsed jet in cross-flow
Authors: Coussement Axel , Gicquel O. , Degrez G.
Published: February 2012

This study quantifies the mixing that results from a pulsed jet in cross-flow in the near jet region. By large eddy simulation computations, it also helps to understand the physical phenomena involved in the formation of the pulsed jet in cross-flow. The boundary conditions of the jet inlet are implemented via a Navier–Stokes characteristic boundary condition coupled with a Fourier series development. The signals used to pulse the jet inlet are a square or a sine wave. A new way of characterizing the mixing is introduced with the goal of easily interpreting and quantifying the complicated mixing process involved in a pulsed jet in cross-flow flow fields. Different flow configurations, pulsed and non-pulsed, are computed and compared, keeping the root mean square value of the signal constant. This comparison not only allows the characterization of the mixing but also illustrates some of the properties of the mixing characterization.
GROUPS WITH SUBNORMAL NORMALIZERS OF SUBNORMAL SUBGROUPS
Authors: BEIDLEMAN J. C. , HEINEKEN H.
Published: February 2012

We consider the class of solvable groups in which all subnormal subgroups have subnormal normalizers, a class containing many well-known classes of solvable groups. Groups of this class have Fitting length three at most; some other information connected with the Fitting series is given.
The effect of lutein- and zeaxanthin-rich foods v. supplements on macular pigment level and serological markers of endothelial activation, inflammation and oxidation: pilot studies in healthy volunteers
Authors: Graydon Ryan , Hogg Ruth E. , Chakravarthy Usha , Young Ian S. , Woodside Jayne V.
Published: February 2012

The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of lutein- and zeaxanthin-rich foods and supplements on macular pigment level (MPL) and serological markers of endothelial activation, inflammation and oxidation in healthy volunteers. We conducted two 8-week intervention studies. Study 1 (n 52) subjects were randomised to receive either carrot juice (a carotene-rich food) or spinach powder (a lutein- and zeaxanthin-rich food) for 8 weeks. Study 2 subjects (n 75) received supplements containing lutein and zeaxanthin, β-carotene, or placebo for 8 weeks in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. MPL, serum concentrations of lipid-soluble antioxidants, inter-cellular adhesion molecule 1, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, C-reactive protein and F2-isoprostane levels were assessed at baseline and post-intervention in both studies. In these intervention studies, no effects on MPL or markers of endothelial activation, inflammation or oxidation were observed. However, the change in serum lutein and zeaxanthin was associated or tended to be associated with the change in MPL in those receiving lutein- and zeaxanthin-rich foods (lutein r 0·40, P = 0·05; zeaxanthin r 0·30, P = 0·14) or the lutein and zeaxanthin supplement (lutein r 0·43, P = 0·03; zeaxanthin r 0·22, P = 0·28). In both studies, the change in MPL was associated with baseline MPL (food study r − 0·54, P < 0·001; supplement study r − 0·40, P < 0·001). We conclude that this 8-week supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin, whether as foods or as supplements, had no significant effect on MPL or serological markers of endothelial activation, inflammation and oxidation in healthy volunteers, but may improve MPL in the highest serum responders and in those with initially low MPL.
Spirulina is an effective dietary source of zeaxanthin to humans
Authors: Yu Bolan , Wang Jie , Suter Paolo M. , Russell Robert M. , Grusak Michael A. , Wang Yin , Wang Zhixu , Yin Shian , Tang Guangwen
Published: February 2012

Zeaxanthin is a predominant xanthophyll in human eyes and may reduce the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Spirulina is an algal food that contains a high concentration of zeaxanthin. In order to determine the zeaxanthin bioavailability of spirulina for dietary supplementation in humans, spirulina was grown in nutrient solution with2H2O for carotenoid labelling. Single servings of2H-labelled spirulina (4·0–5·0 g) containing 2·6–3·7 mg zeaxanthin were consumed by fourteen healthy male volunteers (four Americans and ten Chinese) with 12 g dietary fat. Blood samples were collected over a 45 d period. The serum concentrations of total zeaxanthin were measured using HPLC, and the enrichment of labelled zeaxanthin was determined using LC-atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation-MS (LC-APCI-MS). The results showed that intrinsically labelled spirulina zeaxanthin in the circulation was detected at levels as low as 10 % of the total zeaxanthin for up to 45 d after intake of the algae. A single dose of spirulina can increase mean serum zeaxanthin concentration in humans from 0·06 to 0·15 μmol/l, as shown in our study involving American and Chinese volunteers. The average 15 d area under the serum zeaxanthin response curve to the single dose of spirulina was 293 nmol × d/μmol (range 254–335) in American subjects, and 197 nmol × d/μmol (range 154–285) in Chinese subjects. It is concluded that the relative bioavailability of spirulina zeaxanthin can be studied with high sensitivity and specificity using2H labelling and LC-APCI-MS methodology. Spirulina can serve as a rich source of dietary zeaxanthin in humans.
Effect of different long-chain fatty acids on cholecystokinin releasein vitroand energy intake in free-living healthy males
Authors: Harden Charlotte J. , Jones Adam N. , Maya-Jimenez Tannia , Barker Margo E. , Hepburn Natalie J. , Garaiova Iveta , Plummer Sue F. , Corfe Bernard M.
Published: February 2012

Long-chain fatty acids have been shown to suppress appetite and reduce energy intake (EI) by stimulating the release of gastrointestinal hormones such as cholecystokinin (CCK). The effect of NEFA acyl chain length on these parameters is not comprehensively understood. Anin vitroscreen tested the capacity of individual NEFA (C12 to C22) to trigger CCK release. There was a gradient in CCK release with increasing chain length. DHA (C22) stimulated significantly (P < 0·01) more CCK release than all other NEFA tested. Subsequently, we conducted a randomised, controlled, crossover intervention study using healthy males (n18). The effects of no treatment (NT) and oral doses of emulsified DHA-rich (DHA) and oleic acid (OA)-rich oils were compared using 24 h EI as the primary endpoint. Participants reported significantly (P = 0·039) lower total daily EI (29 % reduction) with DHA compared to NT. There were no differences between DHA compared to OA and OA compared to NT. There was no between-treatment difference in the time to, or EI of, the first post-intervention eating occasion. It is concluded that NEFA stimulate CCK release in a chain length-dependent manner up to C22. These effects may be extended to thein vivosetting, as a DHA-based emulsion significantly reduced short-term EI.
How do honeybees use their magnetic compass? Can they see the North?
Authors: Válková T. , Vácha M.
Published: February 2012

While seeking food sources and routes back to their hive, bees make use of their advanced nervous and sensory capacities, which underlie a diverse behavioral repertoire. One of several honeybee senses that is both exceptional and intriguing is magnetoreception – the ability to perceive the omnipresent magnetic field (MF) of the Earth. The mechanism by which animals sense MFs has remained fascinating as well as elusive because of the intricacies involved, which makes it one of the grand challenges for neural and sensory biology. However, investigations in recent years have brought substantial progress to our understanding of how such magneto-receptor(s) may work. Some terrestrial animals (birds) are reported to be equipped even with a dual perception system: one based on diminutive magnetic particles – in line with the original model which has also always been hypothesized for bees – and the other one, as the more recent model describes, based on a sensitivity of some photochemical reactions to MF (radical-pair or chemical mechanism). The latter model postulates a close link to vision and supposes that the animals can see the position of the geomagnetic North as a visible pattern superimposed on the picture of the environment. In recent years, a growing body of evidence has shown that radical-pair magnetoreception might also be used by insects. It is realistic to expect that such evidence will inspire a re-examination and extension or confirmation of established views on the honeybee magnetic-compass mechanism. However, the problem of bee magnetoreception will not be solved at the moment that a receptor is discovered. On the contrary, the meaning of magnetoreception in insect life and its involvement in the orchestration of other senses is yet to be fully understood. The crucial question to be addressed in the near future is whether the compass abilities of the honeybee could suffer from radio frequency (RF) smog accompanying modern civilization and whether the fitness of this dominant pollinator might be affected by RF fields. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of the path that the behavioral research on honeybee magnetoreception has taken and to discuss it in the context of contemporary data obtained on other insects.
A proposed demonstration of an experiment of proton-driven plasma wakefield acceleration based on CERN SPS
Authors: XIA G. , ASSMANN R. , FONSECA R. A. , HUANG C. , MORI W. , SILVA L. O. , VIEIRA J. , ZIMMERMANN F. , MUGGLI P.
Published: February 2012

The proton bunch-driven plasma wakefield acceleration (PWFA) has been proposed as an approach to accelerate an electron beam to the TeV energy regime in a single plasma section. An experimental program has been recently proposed to demonstrate the capability of proton-driven PWFA by using existing proton beams from the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) accelerator complex. At present, a spare Super Proton Synchrotron (SPS) tunnel, having a length of 600 m, could be used for this purpose. The layout of the experiment is introduced. Particle-in-cell simulation results based on realistic SPS beam parameters are presented. Simulations show that working in a self-modulation regime, the wakefield driven by an SPS beam can accelerate an externally injected ~10 MeV electrons to ~2 GeV in a 10-m plasma, with a plasma density of 7 × 1014 cm−3.
The zero-type property and mixing of Bernoulli shifts
Authors: KOSLOFF ZEMER
Published: February 2012

We prove that every non-singular Bernoulli shift is either zero-type or there is an equivalent invariant stationary product probability. We also give examples of a type III1Bernoulli shift and a Markovian flow which are power weakly mixing and zero-type.
Economic benefits of forest conservation: assessing the potential rents from Brazil nut concessions in Madre de Dios, Peru, to channel REDD+ investments
Authors: NUNES FELIPE , SOARES-FILHO BRITALDO , GIUDICE RENZO , RODRIGUES HERMANN , BOWMAN MARIA , SILVESTRINI RAFAELLA , MENDOZA ELSA
Published: February 2012

Brazil nut collection is key to reconciling sustainable economic development with forest conservation in the Amazon. Whether the activity is profitable, however, remains uncertain due to the paucity of information on spatial distribution and productivity of trees as well as the costs of collection and processing. To fill this gap, this study developed and used a spatially-explicit rent model of Brazil nut production to assess yields and potential profits (rents) from the Brazil nut concessions in Madre de Dios (Peru), under three scenarios of processing and management (unshelled, shelled and shelled-certified nuts). Potential annual production in the region was estimated to be 14.1 ± 2.4 thousand tonnes of unshelled nuts; at 2008 regional sale prices this corresponded to profits of between US$ 3.1 ± 0.5 ha−1yr−1for unshelled nuts to US$ 8.4 ± 1.4 ha−1yr−1for shelled-certified nuts. Investment ofc. US$ 14−17 ha−1is required to develop certified production in Madre de Dios concessions; this would approximately triple rents in these areas. Such investment could be channelled through REDD+ projects; sustainable management of Brazil nut concessions may contribute to a 42–43% reduction in deforestation in Madre de Dios by 2050.
Clustering of lifestyle factors in Spanish university students: the relationship between smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity and diet quality
Authors: Moreno-Gómez Carlos , Romaguera-Bosch Dora , Tauler-Riera Pedro , Bennasar-Veny Miquel , Pericas-Beltran Jordi , Martinez-Andreu Sonia , Aguilo-Pons Antoni
Published: February 2012

Objective

To ascertain the prevalence of and association between main lifestyle factors (diet, physical activity, alcohol consumption and smoking) in students from the Balearic Islands University.

Design

A cross-sectional, descriptive study. A questionnaire including questions on lifestyle, dietary habits and physical activity habits was administered to the students. Four different diet quality scores were calculated (Diet Diversity Score, Mediterranean Diet Score, Dietary Guidelines Score and Global Dietary Guidelines Score).

Setting

A sample of students from the Balearic Islands University.

Subjects

Nine hundred and eighty-seven students (45·5 % males; mean age 21·5 (sd 3·3) years).

Results

The dietary pattern of the student population was characterized by a low consumption of cereals and tubers, fruits, vegetables, olive oil, legumes and nuts, and a high consumption of processed meat, sweets, snacks, soft drinks and pastries. Linear, positive and statistically significant correlations were found between the number of meals consumed daily and all of the diet quality scores determined. Determinants of diet quality, both in the univariate and multivariate analyses, were physical activity practice, sex, age and number of meals consumed daily.

Conclusions

Risk factors such as smoking, diet and physical inactivity had a tendency of clustering among Spanish university students. Overall diet quality was low, due to important departures from dietary recommendations and loss of the traditional Mediterranean dietary pattern. Nutritional education campaigns that include promotion of physical activity practice are needed to improve the overall health status of this population.
Ground‐based magnetometer determination of in situ Pc4–5 ULF electric field wave spectra as a function of solar wind speed
Authors: Rae I. Jonathan , Mann Ian R. , Murphy Kyle R. , Ozeke Louis G. , Milling David K. , Chan Anthony A. , Elkington Scot R. , Honary Farideh
Published: February 2012

We present a statistical characterization of ground‐based ultra‐low‐frequency (∼1–15 mHz) magnetic wave power spectral densities (PSDs) as a function of latitude (corresponding to dipole L‐shells from L∼2.5–8), local time, and solar wind speed. We show a clear latitudinal dependence on the PSD profiles, with PSDs increasing monotonically from low‐ to auroral zone latitudes, where PSDs are peaked before decay in amplitude at higher latitudes. In general, ULF wave powers are highest on the nightside, followed by the local morning, noon, and finally dusk sectors, and are well‐characterized and well‐ordered by solar wind speed at all MLTs spanning L∼2.5–8. A distinct peak in PSD in the 2–8 mHz frequency range above a background power law is evident at most stations studied in this paper, demonstrating a significant non power law like component in the ULF wave power spectrum, in particular at high solar wind speeds. We conclude that field line resonance (FLR) behavior in the magnetosphere is most likely responsible for the peak in PSD, and that such peaks should be included in any radiation belt radial diffusion model addressing radiation belt dynamics. Furthermore, we utilize a model in order to map the ground‐based magnetic ULF wave power measurements into electric fields in the equatorial plane of an assumed dipole magnetic field, and find excellent agreement with the in situ CRRES electric fields shown by Brautigam et al. [2005], clearly demonstrating the utility of ground‐based measurements in providing reliable estimates of ULF electric field PSD for nowcast input into radiation belt radial diffusion models.