bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why the Sunspot Cycle Is Double Peaked
Authors: Georgieva K.
Published: May 2011

Many sunspot cycles are double peaked. In 1967, Gnevyshev suggested that actually all cycles have two peaks generated by different physical mechanisms, but sometimes the gap between them is too short for the maxima to be distinguished in indices of the total sunspot activity. Here, we show that indeed all cycles have two peaks easily identified in sunspot activity in different latitudinal bands. We study the double peaks in the last 12 sunspot cycles and show that they are manifestation of the two surges of toroidal field—the one generated from the poloidal field advected all the way on the surface to the poles, down to the tachocline and equatorward to sunspot latitudes, and another one generated from the poloidal field diffused at mid-latitudes from the surface to the tachocline and transformed there into toroidal field. The existence of these two surges of toroidal field is due to the relative magnitudes of the speed of the large-scale solar meridional circulation and the diffusivity in the solar convection zone which are estimated from geomagnetic data.
Laryngeal Schwannoma: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Ramakrishnan Y. , Issing W. J.
Published: May 2011

Neurogenic tumours of the larynx, particularly schwannomas are rare. We report a case report of a schwannoma in a 30-year-old woman which was excised endoscopically. The aim of this paper is to highlight this rare condition and management options to the otolaryngological community.
Collision Tumor of the Thyroid Gland: Primary Squamous Cell and Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Warman Meir , Lipschitz Noga , Ikher Sergey , Halperin Doron
Published: May 2011

Introduction. Collision tumor of the thyroid gland is defined when independent and histologically distinct tumors coexist within the gland. The presence of both papillary and squamous cell carcinoma in the thyroid gland is unusual. Suggested etiologies include embryonic remanents of squamous epithelium, chronic inflammation, or thyroid malignancies promoting squamous metaplasia. Case Presentation. An elderly patient presented with a rapid enlargement of a long-standing right thyroid nodule. The tumor was locally invasive and unresectable. Pathology revealed the diagnosis of papillary and squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid gland. Possible primary sites for squamous cell carcinoma in upper aerodigestive tract were excluded. The patient outcome was fatal although palliative chemoradiotherapy. Discussion. Collision tumor of papillary and squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid gland is a rare entity that may imply bad prognosis, as to the presence of the squamous portion. The best treatment includes resection of the tumor; unfortunately it is not possible in most cases.
Searching NCBI Databases Using Entrez
Authors: Gibney Gretchen , Baxevanis Andreas D.
Published: June 2011

One of the most widely used interfaces for the retrieval of information from biological databases is the NCBI Entrez system. Entrez capitalizes on the fact that there are pre‐existing, logical relationships between the individual entries found in numerous public databases. The existence of such natural connections, mostly biological in nature, argued for the development of a method through which all the information about a particular biological entity could be found without having to sequentially visit and query disparate databases. Two basic protocols describe simple, text‐based searches, illustrating the types of information that can be retrieved through the Entrez system. An alternate protocol builds upon the first basic protocol, using additional, built‐in features of the Entrez system, and providing alternative ways to issue the initial query. The support protocol reviews how to save frequently issued queries. Finally, Cn3D, a structure visualization tool, is also discussed. Curr. Protoc. Bioinform. 34:1.3.1‐1.3.25. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
An Introduction to Recognizing Functional Domains
Authors: Stormo Gary D.
Published: June 2011

This unit provides an overview of issues involved in domain recognition in protein and DNA sequences. It opens with a discussion of the two primary methods of domain representation, namely consensus sequences and alignment matrices (e.g., the log‐odds matrix). The unit continues with a brief overview of some of the resources available for identifying functional domains in nucleotide sequences (e.g., transcription factor binding sites). In addition, it reviews databases such as Pfam and InterPro, which are available for protein analysis. Curr. Protoc. Bioinform. 34:2.1.1‐2.1.6. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Using MACS to Identify Peaks from ChIP‐Seq Data
Authors: Feng Jianxing , Liu Tao , Zhang Yong
Published: June 2011

Model‐based Analysis of ChIP‐Seq (MACS) is a command‐line tool designed by X. Shirley Liu and colleagues to analyze data generated by ChIP‐Seq experiments in eukaryotes, especially mammals. MACS can be used to identify transcription factor binding sites and histone modification–enriched regions if the ChIP‐Seq data, with or without control samples, are given. This unit describes two basic protocols that provide detailed information on how to use MACS to identify either the binding sites of a transcription factor or the enriched regions of a histone modification with broad peaks. Furthermore, the basic ideas for the MACS algorithm and its appropriate usage are discussed. Curr. Protoc. Bioinform. 34:2.14.1‐2.14.14. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Metabolomic Data Processing, Analysis, and Interpretation Using MetaboAnalyst
Authors: Xia Jianguo , Wishart David S.
Published: June 2011

MetaboAnalyst is a comprehensive, Web‐based tool designed for processing, analyzing, and interpreting metabolomic data. It handles most of the common metabolomic data types including compound concentration lists, spectral bin lists, peak lists, and raw MS spectra. In addition to providing a variety of data processing and normalization procedures, MetaboAnalyst supports a number of data‐analysis tasks using a range of univariate, multivariate, and machine‐learning methods. MetaboAnalyst also offers two newly developed approaches—Metabolite Set Enrichment Analysis (MSEA) and Metabolic Pathway Analysis (MetPA)—for metabolomic data interpretation. MSEA helps detect biologically meaningful metabolite sets that have been enriched in human metabolomic studies, while MetPA allows users to identify any metabolic pathways that have been perturbed. MetaboAnalyst enables facile interactive exploration and visualization of nearly all of its results. At the end of each session, it produces a detailed analysis report with graphical, tabular, and textual output that summarizes each analytical method used and each result generated. Curr. Protoc. Bioinform. 34:14.10.1‐14.10.48. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Rubber, 6. Synthesis by Radical and Other Mechanisms
Authors: Meisenheimer Hermann , Steiger Roland , Marbach André , Diedrich Klaus M. , Dunn John , Karall Gerhard
Published: May 2011

The article contains sections titled:1.EVM and Ethylene Copolymers1.1.Properties, Grades, and Applications1.2.Basic Chemistry and Production Processes1.3.Producers and Production Capacities1.4.Toxicology2.Epoxide Rubbers (CO, ECO, GECO, GPO)2.1.Properties, Grades, and Applications2.2.Basic Chemistry and Production Processes2.3.Producers and Production Capacities3.Polynorbornene3.1.Production of 2‐Norbornene Monomer3.2.Polymerization3.3.Properties3.3.1.Properties of Pure Polymer3.3.2.Properties of Polynorbornene Rubbers (PNR)3.4.Processing of PNR3.5.Uses3.6.Economic Aspects3.7.Toxicology4.Polyoctenamers4.1.Production of Cyclooctene4.2.Polymerization4.3.Properties4.4.Vulcanization, Processing, and Applications4.5.Economic Aspects4.6.Toxicology
The Role of Incentive Framing on Training and Transfer of Learning in a Visual Threat Detection Task
Authors: Madhavan Poornima , Lacson Frank C. , Gonzalez Cleotilde , Brennan Patricia C.
Published: May 2011

We examined the effects of different incentives on skill acquisition and transfer during threat detection in airline luggage screening. The incentives were presented within positive (gains) or negative (losses) frames, and points were given or taken away accordingly during training (with familiar targets) and transfer (to novel targets). During training, incentives exerted a more beneficial effect on skill acquisition than training without incentives. During transfer, incentives benefitted performance largely when presented as losses or penalties. Incentives framed as gains primed participants to say ‘yes’ more often leading to a high ratio of false positives; however, incentives framed as losses lead participants to become more selective in their ‘yes’ responses leading to a lower number of false positives but a comparable probability of correct detections. Interestingly, participants that received no training outperformed participants that received incentive‐based training, suggesting that incentives actually constrained rather than helped transfer of learning in this study. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Filtered weight FxLMS adaptation algorithm: Analysis, design and implementation
Authors: Ardekani Iman Tabatabaei , Abdulla Waleed H.
Published: June 2011

In the Filtered‐x Least‐Mean‐Square (FxLMS)‐based Active Noise Control (ANC), the convergence speed of the adaptation process has a direct relationship to a scalar parameter, called the step size. There is a theoretical upper‐bound for the step size beyond which the system becomes unstable. However, the step size is usually set to a number smaller than its upper‐bound in practice. This is because for relatively large step sizes, the adaptation process becomes very sensitive to any non‐stationary change in acoustic noise. Owing to this trade‐off, real‐time implementation of high‐performance ANC systems becomes challenging. To overcome this problem, this paper develops a novel ANC algorithm in which a recursive filter compensates for influences of the step size increase on the system performance. It is shown that this filter can efficiently increase the step size upper‐bound; consequently, the performance of the system is improved. This improvement is demonstrated using computer simulation. Also, experimental results shows the preference of the proposed algorithm to the traditional FxLMS‐based ANC algorithm in practice. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gecko‐Inspired Dry Adhesive for Robotic Applications
Authors: Yu Jing , Chary Sathya , Das Saurabh , Tamelier John , Pesika Noshir S. , Turner Kimberly L. , Israelachvili Jacob N.
Published: May 2011

Most geckos can rapidly attach and detach from almost any kind of surface. This ability is attributed to the hierarchical structure of their feet (involving toe pads, setal arrays, and spatulae), and how they are moved (articulated) to generate strong adhesion and friction forces on gripping that rapidly relax on releasing. Inspired by the gecko's bioadhesive system, various structured surfaces have been fabricated suitable for robotic applications. In this study, x–y–z asymmetric, micrometer‐sized rectangular flaps composed of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) were fabricated using massively parallel micro‐electromechanical systems (MEMS) techniques with the intention of creating directionally responsive, high‐to‐low frictional‐adhesion toe pads exhibiting properties similar to those found in geckos. Using a surface forces apparatus (SFA), the friction and adhesion forces of both vertical (symmetric) and angled/tilted (x–y–z asymmetric) microflaps under various loading, unloading and shearing conditIons were investigated. It was found that the anisotropic structure of tilted microflaps gives very different adhesion and tribological forces when articulated along different x–y–z directions: high friction and adhesion forces when articulated in the y–z plane along the tilt (+y) direction, which is also the direction of motion, and weak friction and adhesion forces when articulated against the tilt (–y) direction. These results demonstrate that asymmetric angled structures, as occur in geckos, are required to enable the gecko to optimize the requirements of high friction and adhesion on gripping, and low frictional‐adhesion on releasing. These properties are intimately coupled to a (also optimum) articulation mechanism. We discuss how both of these features can be simultaneously optimized in the design of robotic systems that can mimic the gecko adhesive system.
Peer coaching and mentoring: A new model of educational intervention for safe patient handling in health care
Authors: Alamgir Hasanat , Drebit Sharla , Li Helen Guiyun , Kidd Catherine , Tam Helen , Fast Catherine
Published: May 2011

Background

To reduce the risk of patient handling‐related musculoskeletal injury, overhead ceiling lifts have been installed in health care facilities. To increase ceiling lift usage for a variety of patient handling tasks, a peer coaching and mentoring program was implemented among the direct care staff in the long‐term care subsector in British Columbia, Canada. They received a 4‐day training program on body mechanics, ergonomics, patient‐handling techniques, ceiling lift usage, in addition to coaching skills.

Methods

A questionnaire was administered among staff before and after the intervention to evaluate the program's effectiveness.

Results

There were 403 and 200 respondents to the pre‐intervention and post‐intervention questionnaires. In general, staff perceived the peer‐coaching program to be effective. The number of staff who reported to be using ceiling lifts “often and always” went higher from 64.5% to 80.5% (<0.001) after coaching program implementation. Furthermore, staff reported that they were using the ceiling lifts for more types of tasks post‐intervention. Staff reported that the peer coaching program has increased their safety awareness at work and confidence in using the ceiling lifts.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that this educational model can increase the uptake of mechanical interventions for occupational health and safety initiatives. It appears that the training led to a greater awareness of the availability of or increased perceptions of the number of ceiling lifts, presumably through coaches advocating their use. Am. J. Ind. Med. 54:609–617, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A comparative homocoupling reaction of aryl halides using monomeric orthopalladated complex of 4‐methoxybenzoylmethylenetri‐ phenylphosphorane under conventional and microwave irradiation conditions
Authors: Hajipour Abdol R. , Karami Kazem , Tavakoli Ghazal
Published: June 2011

The activity of [Pd(C6H4CH2NH2‐κ2‐C‐N)PPh3MOBPPY]OTf complex, A (MOBPPY = 4‐methoxybenzoylmethylenetriphenylphosphoraneylide) was investigated in the homocoupling reaction of a vast range of aryl halides under both conventional and microwave irradiation conditions and their results were compared. The complex was active and showed high efficiency in the formation of new C‐C bonds. The yields were excellent using a catalytic amount of [Pd(C6H4CH2NH2‐κ2‐C‐N)PPh3MOBPPY]OTf complex in N, N‐dimethylformamide at 120 °C. In comparison to conventional heating conditions, the reactions under microwave irradiation gave higher yields in shorter reaction times. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Site‐selective X‐ray absorption spectroscopy of cobalt nanoparticles
Authors: Kühn Timna‐Josua , Caliebe Wolfgang , Matoussevitch Nina , Bönnemann Helmut , Hormes Josef
Published: June 2011

An extensive study of fluorescence‐detected X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy, with the purpose of realizing site‐selectivity, applied to smoothly oxidized cobalt nanoparticles is presented. For this, resonant inelastic X‐ray scattering (RIXS) planes of the nanoparticles were recorded using high‐resolution detection of Kβ emission. The Kβ line represents a superposition of emission lines that correspond to different homovalent compounds inherent in the nanoparticle and that are energetically different. Therefore Co K‐edge XANES spectra, extracted from distinct emission energies of the RIXS planes, show partial valence‐selectivity, which by assuming a simple core–shell model for our nanoparticle, turns over to partial site‐selectivity. The pure site‐specific XANES spectra, for the core and shell respectively, have been obtained by means of a numerical procedure. The influences of the lifetime broadening related to site‐selectivity and XANES were considered and have been accounted for in the final solutions. A metallic Co core exhibiting the crystallographic β‐manganese and hexagonal‐close‐packed phases as well as a Co‐O/C shell of valence 2 showing a wurtzite‐type contribution to the standard rocksalt structure are recognized as the final site‐specific candidates for our system. The separate determination of the physical properties of atoms on different sites in nanoparticles provides for the first time some information about the interaction between the nanoparticle and the corresponding coating that determines at least partly the properties of the particle. This offers new opportunities for tailoring the properties of nanoparticles using suitable surfactants or coatings. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stereocomplex‐induced gelation properties of polylactide/poly(ethylene glycol) diblock and triblock copolymers
Authors: Nouailhas Helene , El Ghzaoui Abdeslam , Li Suming , Coudane Jean
Published: May 2011

The ring‐opening polymerization of L‐ or D‐lactide was realized in the presence of dihydroxyl or monomethoxy poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) with a number‐average molecular weight of 2000. The resulting low‐molar‐mass poly(L‐lactide) (PLLA)/PEG and poly(D‐lactide) (PDLA)/PEG triblock and diblock copolymers were characterized with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), differential scanning calorimetry, size‐exclusion chromatography, and X‐ray diffractometric analysis. Bioresorbable hydrogels were successfully prepared from aqueous solutions containing both copolymers because of interactions and stereocomplexation between the PLLA and PDLA blocks. Gelation was evaluated with the tube inverting method and rheological measurements. A phase diagram was realized with gel–sol transitions as a function of concentration. The rheological properties of the hydrogels were investigated under various conditions through changes in the copolymer concentration, temperature, time, and frequency. It was concluded that the hydrogels constituted a dynamic and evolutive system because of the continuous formation/destruction of crosslinks and degradation. Further studies are underway to elucidate the degradation behavior and the potential of these substances as drug carriers or cell culture scaffolds. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Synthesis, characterization, and heavy metal ion adsorption studies of polyamides, polythioamides having pendent chlorobenzylidine rings
Authors: Ravikumar L. , Kalaivani S. S. , Murugesan A. , Vidhyadevi T. , Karthik G. , Kirupha S. Dinesh , Sivanesan S.
Published: May 2011

Aromatic polyamides and polythioamides with pendent chlorobenzylidine rings were synthesized through direct polycondenzation of 2‐(p‐chlorobenzalimino) terephthalic acid with the diamines 4,4′‐oxidianiline (1a), 4,4′‐methylenediamide (1b), 4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl sulfone (1c), and thioamines 4,4′‐(bisthiourea) diphenyl ether (3a), 4,4′‐(bisthiourea) diphenyl methane (3b), 4,4′‐(bisthiourea) diphenyl sulfone (3c), respectively, in DMF using P(OPh)3/pyridine. The polymers were precipitated using water as nonsolvent. FTIR and 1H‐NMR spectroscopic analysis was used to characterize the monomers and polymers. Representative polyamides and polythioamides were used for the removal of heavy metal ions such as Pb(II), Cd(II), Cu(II), and Cr(III) from aqueous solutions. The effects of pH, contact time, and initial concentration on the uptake of metal ions have been investigated. The adsorption capacities under competitive conditions were in the order Pb (II) > Cu (II) > Cr (III) > Cd (II). The adsorbed ions were eluted by treatment with 2N HCl, and the activities of the polymers are retained after fourth regeneration. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Fluorophore‐labeled, Peptide‐based Glycoclusters: Synthesis, Binding Properties for Lectins, and Detection of Carbohydrate‐Binding Proteins in Cells
Authors: Tian Xizhe , Pai Jaeyoung , Baek Kyung‐Hwa , Ko Sung‐Kyun , Shin Injae
Published: June 2011

A facile and efficient solid‐phase synthesis of linear peptide‐based glycoclusters with various valences and different spatial arrangements of the sugar ligands is described. The synthetic strategy includes 1) solid‐phase synthesis of fluorophore‐labeled, alkyne‐containing peptides, 2) coupling of azide‐linked, unprotected mono‐, di‐, and trisaccharides to the alkyne‐conjugated peptides on a solid support by click chemistry, and 3) release of the fluorophore‐labeled glycoclusters from the solid support. By using this methodology, 32 fluorescent glycoclusters with a valence ranging from 1 to 4 and different spatial arrangements of the sugar ligands were prepared. Lectin‐binding properties of the glycoclusters were initially examined by using microarrays immobilized by various lectins. These glycoclusters were then employed to detect the cell‐surface carbohydrate‐binding proteins in bacteria. Finally, the uptake of glycoclusters by mammalian cells through receptor‐mediated endocytosis was evaluated. The results, obtained from the in vitro and in vivo studies, indicate that the binding affinities toward immobilized and cell‐surface proteins are highly dependent on the valence and spatial arrangements of the sugar ligands in glycoclusters.
The low cost of recombination in creating novel phenotypes
Authors: Wagner Andreas
Published: June 2011

Recombination is often considered a disruptive force for well‐adapted phenotypes, but recent evidence suggests that this cost of recombination can be small. A key benefit of recombination is that it can help create proteins and regulatory circuits with novel and useful phenotypes more efficiently than point mutation. Its effectiveness stems from the large‐scale reorganization of genotypes that it causes, which can help explore far‐flung regions in genotype space. Recent work on complex phenotypes in model gene regulatory circuits and proteins shows that the disruptive effects of recombination can be very mild compared to the effects of mutation. Recombination thus can have great benefits at a modest cost, but we do not understand the reasons well. A better understanding might shed light on the evolution of recombination and help improve evolutionary strategies in biochemical engineering.
C5‐DNA Methyltransferase Inhibitors: From Screening to Effects on Zebrafish Embryo Development
Authors: Ceccaldi Alexandre , Rajavelu Arumugam , Champion Christine , Rampon Christine , Jurkowska Renata , Jankevicius Gytis , Sénamaud‐Beaufort Catherine , Ponger Loïc , Gagey Nathalie , Dali Ali Hana , Tost Jörg , Vriz Sophie , Ros Sindu , Dauzonne Daniel , Jeltsch Albert , Guianvarc'h Dominique , Arimondo Paola B.
Published: June 2011

DNA methylation is involved in the regulation of gene expression and plays an important role in normal developmental processes and diseases, such as cancer. DNA methyltransferases are the enzymes responsible for DNA methylation on the position 5 of cytidine in a CpG context. In order to identify and characterize novel inhibitors of these enzymes, we developed a fluorescence‐based throughput screening by using a short DNA duplex immobilized on 96‐well plates. We have screened 114 flavones and flavanones for the inhibition of the murine catalytic Dnmt3a/3L complex and found 36 hits with IC50 values in the lower micromolar and high nanomolar ranges. The assay, together with inhibition tests on two other methyltransferases, structure–activity relationships and docking studies, gave insights on the mechanism of inhibition. Finally, two derivatives effected zebrafish embryo development, and induced a global demethylation of the genome, at doses lower than the control drug, 5‐azacytidine.
Hydrodynamic properties for N,N,N′,N′‐tetraalkyl diglycolamides dissolved in n‐dodecane system
Authors: Kanekar A. S. , Ansari S. A. , Gujar R. B. , Prabhu D. R. , Pathak P. N. , Mohapatra P. K. , Manchanda V. K.
Published: May 2011

N,N,N′,N′‐tetraoctyl diglycolamide (TODGA) and N,N,N′,N′‐tetra(2‐ethylhexyl) diglycolamide (T2EHDGA) have been identified as promising extractants for actinide partitioning from high‐level nuclear waste. These extractants are proposed to be used along with suitable phase modifiers, viz. N,N‐dihexyl octanamide (DHOA), tri‐n‐butyl phosphate (TBP) and 2‐decanol dissolved in n‐dodecane. Hydrodynamic parameters, viz. density, viscosity and interfacial tension (IFT) are important for optimisation of hydrometallurgical process to ensure that there is no emulsion formation and to achieve desired phase disengagement rate. Densities and viscosities of the two extractants, viz. TODGA and T2EHDGA along with different phase modifiers have been measured over different range of compositions and temperatures (298–333 K). The viscosity data have been used to calculate the activation energy for viscous flow for each composition of solvents. The IFT values have also been measured for different solvent compositions. The viscosity and IFT data of TODGA and T2EHDGA with 2‐decanol as phase modifier appears suitable under hydrometallurgical conditions proposed for actinide partitioning. © 2011 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering
Frequency domain tuning approach for adaptive feedforward control using lead–lag compensators
Authors: Siddha Ramarao , Gilbert A. F. , Natarajan K.
Published: May 2011

The tuning of lead–lag compensators to be used as feedforward controllers for measured disturbances is performed in the frequency domain. The identification of process Gu and disturbance dynamics Gd uses extended recursive least squares, and the frequency responses are calculated from the least squares coefficients. A lead–lag compensator Gll is designed which minimises the function $G_{{\rm ll}} (j\omega ) + (G_{{\rm d}} (j\omega ))/(G_{{\rm u}} (j\omega ))$ over a finite number of frequencies, using the Nelder–Mead simplex method. The effectiveness of the frequency domain tuning strategy is compared by simulation to established tuning rules for first‐order plus delay processes. The tuning method is experimentally verified on a pilot scale methanol–water distillation column. © 2011 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering
Experimental, modelling and optimisation of asphaltene deposition and adsorption in porous media
Authors: Kariznovi Mohammad , Nourozieh Hossein , Abedi Jalal , Jamialahmadi Mohammad , Shahrabadi Abbas
Published: May 2011

The deposition of asphaltene is considered to be one of the most difficult problems during oil production. Asphaltene deposition in the reservoir is a complex problem; and, due to the depth of reservoirs, it is impossible to do field experiments. Thus, to study the effects of asphaltene deposition, it is essential to rely on different models that are developed for asphaltene adsorption and deposition on the basis of the laboratory experimental results. In this manuscript, the focus is on the adsorption and deposition of asphaltene in porous media. A new model for asphaltene adsorption and deposition in porous media and a corresponding numerical method are developed using an implicit scheme. A procedure for estimating the asphaltene deposition and adsorption parameters is described, and a new optimisation method is introduced. This method applies the genetic algorithm to investigate an initial set of parameters as an input for the direct search optimisation method. The direct search estimates the asphaltene deposition and adsorption parameters, which results in an acceptable match with the experimental data. To validate the model, both the available experimental data in the literature and data from this study are examined with the developed model; and, reasonable results are obtained. © 2011 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering
The Coexistence of Multiple Cardiovascular Diseases is an Independent Predictor of the 30‐Day Mortality of Hospitalized Patients With Congestive Heart Failure: A Study in Beijing
Authors: Yin Qiaoxiang , Zhao Yusheng , Li Jiayue , Xue Qiao , Wu Xingli , Gao Lei , He Ping , Zhu Mei , Wang Shiwen
Published: May 2011

Background:

Congestive heart failure (CHF) has become a major clinical and public health challenge with the aging of the population in China. However, the effect of the coexistence of multiple cardiovascular diseases on the prognosis of hospitalized patients with CHF remains unclear. A comparative analysis was performed to explore the etiology and comorbidities of CHF and in‐hospital mortality in patients with CHF.

Hypothesis:

The coexistence of multiple cardiovascular diseases is an independent predictor of the 30‐day mortality of hospitalized patients with CHF.

Methods:

All 6949 patients (4344 males, 2605 females) in the database with a principal ICD‐9‐CM discharge diagnosis of CHF were identified and divided into 5 groups according to the number of comorbidities. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to examine the association between the number of comorbidities and in‐hospital mortality in patients with CHF.

Results:

A single comorbidity was predominant in younger patients (18–39 years, P<0.001), whereas multiple comorbidities were predominant in the elderly (≥80 years, P<0.001). The most common single etiology was valvular heart disease, and the most common triple etiology was hypertension and diabetes mellitus complicated by coronary artery disease. Cox regression analysis showed a higher hospital mortality rate associated with an increased number of comorbidities (hazard ratio [HR] from 1.22 [95% CI: 0.89–1.68] to HR 3.49 [95% CI: 2.55–4.78], P<0.001).

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates the coexistence of multiple cardiovascular diseases is an independent predictor of the 30‐day mortality of hospitalized patients with CHF. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Rosai–Dorfman disease: A case report with extranodal thyroid involvement
Authors: Chhabra Sonia , Agarwal Ruchi , Garg Shilpa , Singh Harpreet , Singh Sunita
Published: May 2011

Rosai–Dorfman Disease (RDD) or Sinus Histiocytosis with Massive Lymphadenopathy (SHML) is a rare disorder typically manifesting as enlarged lymph nodes with or without systemic involvement. These cases are often clinically misdiagnosed as lymphoma. Recognising this entity to distinguish it from lymphoma and other causes of histiocytosis is important because of different treatment modalities for these disorders. Extranodal involvement is also common, often with a particular predilection for the head and neck region. We report a rare case of Rosai–Dorfman Disease with both nodal and extranodal involvement in a 33‐year‐old woman. The patient had bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy and diffuse thyroid enlargement. Thyroid gland involvement in RDD diagnosed on fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) has rarely been reported in literature. FNAC is a useful and reliable tool for the diagnosis of RDD and the biopsy can be avoided in these patients, thus reducing inconvenience to patients. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2011; © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Production of offspring from cloned transgenic RFP female dogs and stable generational transmission of the RFP gene
Authors: Hong So Gun , Oh Hyun Ju , Park Jung Eun , Kim Min Jung , Kim Geon A , Park Eun Jung , Koo Ok Jae , Kang Sung Keun , Jang Goo , Lee Byeong Chun
Published: May 2011

The purpose of this study was to analyze the reproductive ability of transgenic female dogs born bysomatic cell nuclear transfer and to determine inheritance of the red fluorescent protein (RFP) transgene. The four founder transgenic bitches (F0) reached puberty at 340.8 ± 39.6 days after birth and were bred with wild‐type male dogs by natural mating or by artificial insemination. The bitches all became pregnant and successfully delivered 13 puppies (F1), of which two females were bred with wild‐type dogs to deliver 7 offspring (F2), including 1 stillbirth. Among the 19 live offspring, 10 puppies showed emission of RFP under UV light and the presence of the RFP transgene was confirmed by genomic PCR and Southern blot analyses. In conclusion, transgenic RFP female dogs exhibited normal reproductive ability and expression of the transgene was demonstrated in F1 and F2 generations. genesis 49:835–840, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Periodicals, Inc.
The earliest intrathymic precursors of CD8α+ thymic dendritic cells correspond to myeloid‐type double‐negative 1c cells
Authors: Luche Hervé , Ardouin Laurence , Teo Pearline , See Peter , Henri Sandrine , Merad Miriam , Ginhoux Florent , Malissen Bernard
Published: June 2011

The dendritic cells (DCs) present in lymphoid and non‐lymphoid organs are generated from progenitors with myeloid‐restricted potential. However, in the thymus a major subset of DCs expressing CD8α and langerin (CD207) appears to stand apart from all other DCs in that it is thought to derive from progenitors with lymphoid potential. Using mice expressing a fluorescent reporter and a diphtheria toxin receptor under the control of the cd207 gene, we demonstrated that CD207+CD8α+ thymic DCs do not share a common origin with T cells but originate from intrathymic precursors that express markers that are normally present on all (CD11c+ and MHCII molecules) or on some (CD207, CD135, CD8α, CX3CR1) DC subsets. Those intrathymic myeloid‐type precursors correspond to CD44+CD25– double‐negative 1c (DN1c) cells and are continuously renewed from bone marrow‐derived canonical DC precursors. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that the earliest intrathymic precursors of CD8α+ thymic DCs correspond to myeloid‐type DN1c cells and support the view that under physiological conditions myeloid‐restricted progenitors generate the whole constellation of DCs present in the body including the thymus.
A Highly Zinc(II)‐Selective Fluorescent Sensor Based on 8‐Aminoquinoline and Its Application in Biological Imaging
Authors: Xie Guoqiang , Xi Pinxian , Wang Xiao , Zhao Xuefei , Huang Liang , Chen Fengjuan , Wu Yongjie , Yao Xiaojun , Zeng Zhengzhi
Published: June 2011

A fluorescent probe based on 8‐aminoquinoline bearing an aminophenol unit (L1) was developed as a chemosensor for Zn2+. Sensor L1 exhibits a high selectivity and sensitivity towards Zn2+ over other common metal ions in the physiological pH window and binds to Zn2+ through 1:1 binding mode. Fluorescent imaging of Zn2+ in living cells is also successfully demonstrated.
Asymmetric Reduction of α‐Keto Esters with Thermus thermophilus NADH‐Dependent Carbonyl Reductase using Glucose Dehydrogenase and Alcohol Dehydrogenase for Cofactor Regeneration
Authors: Pennacchio Angela , Giordano Assunta , Rossi Mosè , Raia Carlo A.
Published: June 2011

The enantioselective synthesis of methyl (R)‐mandelate and methyl (R)‐o‐chloromandelate was investigated using an NADH‐dependent carbonyl reductase from Thermus thermophilus (TtADH) and, separately, archaeal glucose dehydrogenase and Bacillus stearothermophilus alcohol dehydrogenase (BsADH) for NADH regeneration. Optimal reaction times and substrate concentrations in the absence and presence of organic solvents were determined. The enantiofacial selectivity of TtADH was shown to be inversely proportional to the hydrophobicity of the short‐chain linear alcohols employed as co‐substrates of the bacillar ADH. The bioreduction of methyl benzoylformate yielded the (R)‐alcohol with a 77 % yield (ee = 96 %) using glucose dehydrogenase and glucose, and 81 % yield (ee = 94 %) applying BsADH and ethanol. The bioreduction of methyl o‐chlorobenzoylformate yielded the halogenated (R)‐alcohol with 95 % and 92 % ee, and 62 % and 78 % yield using glucose dehydrogenase and BsADH, respectively.
Metal‐Free SN2′ Decarboxylative Rearrangement of β‐Keto Esters
Authors: Bizet Vincent , Lefebvre Valérie , Baudoux Jérôme , Lasne Marie‐Claire , Boulangé Agathe , Leleu Stéphane , Franck Xavier , Rouden Jacques
Published: June 2011

Treatment of 2‐methoxycarbonyl‐ (or 3‐cyano‐)allyl acetoacetates with a tertiary amine or triphenylphosphane afforded α‐methylene γ‐substituted δ‐keto esters (or nitrile) in satisfactory yields. Various bases and nucleophiles were tested to elucidate the mechanism. The results of the study strongly suggest an intermolecular pathway involving a SN2′–decarboxylation–SN2′ cascade.
Expedient Solution‐Phase Synthesis and NMR Studies of Arylopeptoids
Authors: Hjelmgaard Thomas , Faure Sophie , Staerk Dan , Taillefumier Claude , Nielsen John
Published: June 2011

The development of a highly convenient and efficient protocol for iterative solution‐phase synthesis of shorter oligomers of para‐ and meta‐arylopeptoids is described. Peptide coupling methods for accessing longer oligomers were studied: use of the new coupling reagent COMU was found to be the most efficient for creation of the tertiary benzamide bonds. The cis/trans isomerism of arylopeptoid backbones was studied by NMR and was found to be highly dependent on the nature of the side chains. Increasing bulkiness of theside chains favored the cis amide bond conformation; arylopeptoids possessing tert‐butyl side chains contained exclusively cis amide bonds.
A Porphyrin with Two Coordination Sites: The Biquinoline Ligand as a New Potential External Chelate
Authors: Jeandon Christophe , Ruppert Romain
Published: June 2011

A highly symmetrical doubly fused porphyrin was obtained after two successive intramolecular cyclizations.1 The first supplementary ring was closed by using the Cadogan reaction, involving the generation of an intermediate nitrene from the starting nitro function. By trying to use the same methodology for the second ring closure, we found that the Cadogan reaction could be used but that cyclization yields remained low. We showed, by taking into account unusual mass spectroscopy results, that the cyclization of the nitro functionality with the neighboring meso‐phenyl took place in the absence of the oxygen abstracting phosphite used by Cadogan. The bis‐biquinolino‐fused porphyrin, bearing an internal and an external coordination site, was obtained in very good yield and showed strong absorbance between 700 and 800 nm.
Progress in Metathesis Through Natural Product Synthesis
Authors: Prunet Joëlle
Published: June 2011

This article covers case studies in natural product syntheses with comments on various aspects of metathesis reactions and on how the difficulties encountered in these syntheses have led to better understanding of these reactions or to more effective reaction conditions and catalysts. Ring‐closingmetathesis leading to small and medium‐sized rings is discussed, followed by macrocycle formation, asymmetric ring‐closing metathesis, and cross metathesis.
Is gossip power? The inverse relationships between gossip, power, and likability
Authors: Farley Sally D.
Published: June 2011

Despite widespread conjecture regarding the functions and consequences of gossip, little empirical attention has investigated how gossipers are perceived by others. In the present study, 128 individuals were asked to think about a person who either frequently or rarely discussed others while not in their presence. Gender of the target and valence of the gossip were also manipulated. High‐frequency gossipers were perceived as less powerful and were liked less than low‐frequency gossipers, and those who gossiped negatively were liked less than those who gossiped positively. High‐frequency negative gossipers emerged as the least powerful and least likable targets. These results are discussed in relation to the transfer of attitudes recursively effect. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Complimentary roles of the hippocampus and retrosplenial cortex in behavioral context discrimination
Authors: Smith David M. , Barredo Jennifer , Mizumori Sheri J.Y.
Published: May 2011

Complex cognitive functions, such as learning and memory, arise from the interaction of multiple brain regions that comprise functional circuits and different components of these circuits make unique contributions to learning. The hippocampus and the retrosplenial cortex (RSC) are anatomically interconnected and both regions are involved in learning and memory. Previous studies indicate that the hippocampus exhibits unique firing patterns for different contexts and that RSC neurons selectively respond to cues that predict reinforcement or the need for a behavioral response, suggesting a hippocampal role in encoding contexts and an RSC role in encoding behaviorally significant cues. To test this, we simultaneously recorded hippocampal and RSC neuronal activity as rats learned to discriminate two behavioral contexts. The rats learned to approach the east arm of a plus maze for reward during the first half of each session and to approach the west arm during the second half. The “go east” and “go west” conditions constitute distinct behavioral contexts, which were cued by the reward location. Neurons in both regions developed highly context‐specific responses as subjects learned to discriminate the contexts, but the response patterns differed in the two brain regions. Consistent with a context processing role, hippocampal neurons developed context‐specific responses to a variety of task stimuli and events. In contrast, RSC neurons only developed context‐specific responses to the reward location, which served as the context identifying cue. These results suggest that the hippocampus and RSC play distinct, but complimentary roles in mediating context appropriate memories and behaviors. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The differential effects of job design on knowledge workers and manual workers: A quasi‐experimental field study in China
Authors: Yan Ming , Peng Kelly Z. , Francesco Anne Marie
Published: May 2011

When Taylorism was discarded long ago, job enrichment emerged as a good alternative. Recent research, however, has pointed out the ineffectiveness of job enrichment. This study suggests that both approaches could be effective and looks at job nature as the moderator that can affect how the two approaches are applied. The authors' longitudinal quasi‐experimental field study in China found a significant interaction between worker type (knowledge workers [KWs] versus manual workers [MWs]) and job characteristics on employee outcomes. After enrichment, KWs experienced higher satisfaction and task performance, whereas for MWs, satisfaction and performance declined. This pattern of results suggests that both job enrichment and Taylorism are applicable depending on the job nature. In addition to contributing to job design theory, the present study also explored the unique attributes of KWs and provides practical suggestions as to how human resource managers can better motivate KWs. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High‐commitment HR practices, employee effort, and firm performance: Investigating the effects of HR practices across employee groups within professional services firms
Authors: McClean Elizabeth , Collins Christopher J.
Published: May 2011

In this study, the authors examine the relationship between high‐commitment HR practices and firm performance in professional services firms through the mediator of employee effort. In addition, they contribute to the debate in the field of strategic HRM on whether high‐commitment HR practices should be used across all employee groups within a firm. Their study's results show that high‐commitment HR practices positively relate to firm performance through employee effort for two employee groups within professional services firms. Further, they found that the relationship between effort and performance is contingent on the value of the employee group to firm competitive advantage, suggesting that companies may only want to expend the effort and resources on building a high‐commitment HR system for employee groups that are clearly tied to creating firm competitive advantage. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tracing groundwater nitrate sources in the Dakar suburban area: an isotopic multi‐tracer approach
Authors: Diédhiou M. , Cissé Faye S. , Diouf O. C. , Faye S. , Faye A. , Re V. , Wohnlich S. , Wisotzky F. , Schulte U. , Maloszewski P.
Published: May 2011

The Dakar region is a mega city with multiple contaminant sources from urban expansion as well as industrial and agricultural activities. The major part of the region is underlain by unconfined sandy aquifer, which is vulnerable to contaminants derived from human land use. At present, the contaminated groundwater which extends over a large area in the suburban zone of Thiaroye poses a threat to the future of this valuable resource, and more specifically, a health threat. This study focuses on nitrate pollution occurrences and associated processes using nitrate isotope data (15NNO3, 18ONO3) combined with environmental isotopic tracers (18O, 2H, and 3H). Samples from 36 wells were collected to determine the level, distribution, and sources of contamination in relation to land use. Results indicate that shallow groundwater in the urbanized area of Thiaroye shows distinct evidence of surface contamination with nitrate as much as 300 mg/l NO3−. In rural area not serviced by water supply distribution network, much higher NO3− contents were found in few wells due to household and livestock feedlots. In most groundwater samples δ15N values ranged from + 10 to + 22‰, indicative of predominantly human and animal wastes. This was confirmed by environmental isotope data which suggest a mixture of polluted recharge waters. By using the dual δ15N vs δ18O as well as δ15N vs NO3− approach, denitrification may occur to some extent but it is blurred by mixing with new infiltrated nitrates and cycling derived from continuous leaky septic system. Results suggest that nitrate contamination of the aquifer is a consequence of unregulated urbanisation (homemade latrines), continuing contaminant transfer in shallow water depth where aerobic conditions prevail. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Serial dependence properties in multivariate streamflow simulation with independent decomposition analysis
Authors: Lee Taesam
Published: May 2011

Stochastic simulation of multivariate hydrologic variables has a key role in evaluating alternative designs and operation rules of hydrologic facilities. The recently developed decomposition analysis, Independent Component Analysis (ICA), allows us to apply the simple univariate time series model to each extracted component by: (1) decomposing multivariate time series into independent components with ICA; (2) modelling and generating each component independently; and (3) mixing the generated components to come back to observational domain. However, we illustrate in the current study that fitting a univariate time series model to each extracted component might end up with the underestimation of the serial dependence that the observation data might contain. A alternative for parameter estimation is suggested to preserve the serial dependence of the observation variable using the relationship between the observation variable and the decomposed variable. The case study of the Upper Colorado River basin shows that some improvement is made through the suggested alternative. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.