bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A grass–fire cycle eliminates an obligate‐seeding tree in a tropical savanna
Authors: Bowman David M. J. S. , MacDermott Harry J. , Nichols Scott C. , Murphy Brett P.
Published: October 2014

A grass–fire cycle in Australian tropical savannas has been postulated as driving the regional decline of the obligate‐seeding conifer Callitris intratropica and other fire‐sensitive components of the regional flora and fauna, due to proliferation of flammable native grasses. We tested the hypothesis that a high‐biomass invasive savanna grass drives a positive feedback process where intense fires destroy fire‐sensitive trees, and the reduction in canopy cover facilitates further invasion by grass. We undertook an observational and experimental study using, as a model system, a plantation of C. intratropica that has been invaded by an African grass, gamba (Andropogon gayanus) in the Northern Territory, Australia. We found that high grass biomass was associated with reduced canopy cover and restriction of foliage to the upper canopy of surviving stems, and mortality of adult trees was very high (>50%) even in areas with low fuel loads (1 t·ha−1). Experimental fires, with fuel loads >10 t·ha−1, typical of the grass‐invasion front, caused significant mortality due to complete crown scorch. Lower fuel loads cause reduced canopy cover through defoliation of the lower canopy. These results help explain how increases in grass biomass are coupled with the decline of C. intratropica throughout northern Australia by causing a switch from litter and sparse perennial grass fuels, and hence low‐intensity surface fires, to heavy annual grass fuel loads that sustain fires that burn into the midstorey. This study demonstrates that changes in fuel type can alter fire regimes with substantial knock‐on effects on the biota.
CD8+ T‐cell immunosurveillance constrains lymphoid premetastatic myeloid cell accumulation
Authors: Zhang Wang , Zhang Chunyan , Li Wenzhao , Deng Jiehui , Herrmann Andreas , Priceman Saul J. , Liang Wei , Shen Shudan , Pal Sumanta K. , Hoon Dave S.B. , Yu Hua
Published: October 2014

Increasing evidence suggests that premetastatic niches, consisting mainly of myeloid cells, provide microenvironment critical for cancer cell recruitment and survival to facilitate metastasis. While CD8+ T cells exert immunosurveillance in primary human tumors, whether they can exert similar effects on myeloid cells in the premetastatic environment is unknown. Here, we show that CD8+ T cells are capable of constraining premetastatic myeloid cell accumulation by inducing myeloid cell apoptosis in C57BL/6 mice. Ag‐specific CD8+ T‐cell cytotoxicity against myeloid cells in premetastatic lymph nodes is compromised by Stat3. We demonstrate here that Stat3 ablation in myeloid cells leads to CD8+ T‐cell activation and increased levels of IFN‐γ and granzyme B in the premetastatic environment. Furthermore, Stat3 negatively regulates soluble Ag cross‐presentation by myeloid cells to CD8+ T cells in the premetastatic niche. Importantly, in tumor‐free lymph nodes of melanoma patients, infiltration of activated CD8+ T cells inversely correlates with STAT3 activity, which is associated with a decrease in number of myeloid cells. Our study suggested a novel role for CD8+ T cells in constraining myeloid cell activity through direct killing in the premetastatic environment, and the therapeutic potential by targeting Stat3 in myeloid cells to improve CD8+ T‐cell immunosurveillance against metastasis.
Ionic Liquid Based Approaches to Carbon Materials Synthesis
Authors: Xie Zai‐Lai , Su Dang Sheng
Published: October 2014

Ionic liquids (ILs) have attracted continuous interest because of their remarkable physicochemical properties, including high thermal and chemical stability, nonflammability, negligible vapor pressure, designable cation/anion pairs, electrical and ionic conductivity, low melting points, and affinity towards many compounds. These properties make ionic liquids valuable in the creation of new materials and new processes throughout almost the entire field of materials chemistry. An emerging field is the use of ionic liquids in carbon‐based nanomaterials. Initially, ionic liquids were used as self‐templating carbon sources for the generation of unusual carbon materials in which homogeneous heteroatom doping (e.g., N, B, S) can be accomplished fairly easily. Later, ionic liquids were recognized as suitable for use in the conversion of biomass into porous carbon materials, acting as both reaction media and porosity‐directing regulator. Such applications open the door towards the synthesis and accurate tuning of carbon nanostructures, for example, pore structure, morphology, heteroatom doping, and surface functionality. In addition, the hybridization of ionic liquids and nanocarbons enables the development of composites by combining the properties of the ionic liquid (e.g., ionic conductivity or catalytic activity) and those of a host (e.g., chemical or mechanical stability). Currently, although the research of this topic is rapidly expanding, the rational design and synthesis of carbon‐based materials, particularly their applications in energy storage and transformation, is still in its infancy. In this review, we focus on several aspects of ionic liquid derived carbons with the aim of shedding light on this new topic: 1) Ionic liquids as an advanced medium for carbon synthesis, 2) ionogels derived from nanocarbon, 3) ionic liquids as fluid precursors for functional carbons, and 4) ionic liquid derived carbons for heterogeneous catalysis.
High Adsorption Capacity for Cationic Dye Removal and Antibacterial Properties of Sonochemically Synthesized Ag2WO4 Nanorods
Authors: Dutta Dimple P. , Singh Anamika , Ballal Anand , Tyagi Avesh K.
Published: October 2014

α‐Ag2WO4 nanorods with an average diameter of 15 to 25 nm and a surface area of ca. 115.0 ± 0.2 m2/g have been synthesized by a facile sonochemical technique. These nanorods have been used for the adsorption of various cationic dyes (rhodamine B, methylene blue, and malachite green) from aqueous solution. The adsorption process is fast, and ca. 100 % adsorption of a 20 ppm mixture of all three dyes occurs within 10 min. The adsorption process was studied by varying different regulating parameters such as the solution pH and the initial dye and Ag2WO4 concentrations, and the results were analyzed with various isotherm and kinetic models. The mechanistic pathway for the selective adsorption of cationic dyes has been explained through zeta potential studies. Moreover, the thermal regeneration of the sorbent was possible by furnace heating at 250 °C, and the nanorods were efficient for multicyclic use. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) has been performed on the thermally regenerated samples to ascertain their surface purity. The Ag2WO4 nanorods have a bactericidal effect and are active against both Gram‐negative and ‐positive bacterial strains of Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, respectively. However, the efficiency is more pronounced for Gram‐positive bacteria. Thus, these sonochemically synthesized Ag2WO4 nanorods have great potential for the treatment of dye industry effluents as a promising adsorbent for cationic dyes from aqueous solution and are also useful as an antibacterial agent.
A Tetradentate β‐Diiminato Ligand Containing Phenolate Substituents: Flexivalent Coordination to MnIII, CoIII, NiII, and CuII
Authors: Faraj Fadhil Lafta , Khaledi Hamid , Morimoto Yuma , Itoh Shinobu , Olmstead Marilyn M. , Ali Hapipah Mohd
Published: October 2014

A functionalized β‐dialdimine was prepared, bearing a 3,3‐dimethylindoleninyl group at the meso‐position and two N‐phenolic groups. The structure contains three labile protons, which can be lost or migrate through tautomerism to provide an N2O2 coordination core. A number of divalent and trivalent metal ions (CuII, NiII, CoII/III, and MnIII) were accommodated inside the core, forming a series of intensely colored products consisting of a tricyclic MN2O2 chelate. In the resulting divalent metal complexes, the dialdimine ligand is deprotonated only at the two phenolic oxygen atoms and is thus dianionic, whereas in the trivalent metal complexes, the dialdiminato ligand is triply deprotonated. The copper and nickel complexes adopt square‐planar geometries, whereas in the trivalent cobalt and manganese complexes, two neutral ancillary ligands complete an octahedral geometry around the metal center. In each case, the denticity of the diimino–diiminato ligand is four. The electrochemical oxidation of the copper and nickel complexes was studied by cyclic voltammetry.
Concise Synthesis of Vesnarinone and Its Analogues by Using Pd‐Catalyzed C–N Bond‐Forming Reactions
Authors: See Yi Yang , Dang Tuan Thanh , Chen Anqi , Seayad Abdul Majeed
Published: October 2014

An efficient and concise synthesis of vesnarinone and its analogues from readily available starting materials and by using catalytic C–N bond‐forming reactions is reported. In this protocol, a homogeneous Pd‐catalyzed Buchwald–Hartwig amination and a supported Pd nanoparticles catalyzed aminocarbonylation were utilized as the two key reactions to prepare vesnarinone in an overall yield of 73 %. Sixteen analogues were also synthesized in up to 89 % overall yield.
Facile Redox Interconversion of 6,11‐Diphenyldibenzo[b,f][1,4]diazocine and 2‐(2‐Aminophenyl)‐1,3‐diphenylisoindole: Reversible SET Ring Contraction and Expansion Processes
Authors: Eisch John J. , Liu Wei , Zhu Lisheng , Rheingold Arnold L.
Published: October 2014

In our continuing attempts to convert tub‐shaped dibenzo[1,4]diazocines or dibenzo[1,5]diazocines into necessarily planar Hückel aromatic ten‐π‐electron dianions or dihydro derivatives of the central diazocine ring, we have added requisite electrons by Na or Li metal in THF. Subsequent hydrolysis yielded no evidence for the formation of such Hückel aromatic products but in each case a profound rearrangement of the tricyclic diazocine had instead occurred. In the present study we have attempted to form the unknown aromatic 6,11‐diphenyldibenzo[b,f][5,12]‐dihydro[1,4]diazocine at 25 °C by such a straightforward addition of two electrons to 6,11‐diphenyldibenzo[b,f][1,4]diazocine. We were encouraged by the prior reduction of the unsubstituted [1,4]diazocine to 1,4‐dihydro‐[1,4]diazocine, which by X‐ray and 1H NMR evidence displays aromatic‐like properties. However, this diphenyldibenzo[1,4]‐diazocine upon reduction underwent instead an unusual, serendipitous rearrangement to yield quantitatively 2‐(2‐aminophenyl)‐1,3‐diphenylisoindole. Then in a purposive search for other reductants capable of reductively rearranging this [1,4]diazocine to its corresponding isoindole, we discovered three other reductants, namely o‐diaminobenzene, titanium(II) salts, and concentrated aqueous hydriodic acid with visible light. Conversely, again in a serendipitous observation, it was found that O2 in CHCl3 with visible light could readily convert the isoindole in an oxidative rearrangement back into the [1,4]diazocine. A purposive method for achieving this oxidative rearrangement was then found to be treatment with DDQ. General mechanistic pathways are proposed via SET intermediates for both redox interconversions.
Sexual objectification pushes women away: The role of decreased likability
Authors: Teng Fei , Chen Zhansheng , Poon Kai‐Tak , Zhang Denghao
Published: October 2014

The present investigation examined the effect of sexual objectification on women's intention to affiliate with men. We predicted that women would perceive an objectifier as less likable following sexual objectification and thus would distance themselves from the perpetrator. Study 1 found that objectification led female participants to perceive their male partner as less likable and to be less willing to affiliate with the partner. Study 2 replicated Study 1 in a concurrent interpersonal interaction and extended these effects to a man having a similar background with the perpetrator. Study 3 showed that power moderated the effect of sexual objectification on women's interaction intention such that only women with equal or low power (as compared to the objectifier) decreased their affiliation intention toward the objectifier, whereas high‐power women did not show this effect. Implications of these findings were discussed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Semi‐active piezoelectric friction damper
Authors: Pardo‐Varela J. , de la Llera J. C.
Published: October 2014

This research investigates the development of a semi‐active piezoelectric friction damper for controlling the seismic response of large‐scale structures. The proposed device is made of Duplex steel and leads to high friction capacity, which can be developed either in passive or semi‐active modes. For the later, piezoelectric actuators react against a stiff clamping system and apply a variable normal force on the multiple contact surfaces. To validate the design, a prototype, which contact surfaces were made of stainless steel and brake pad material, was built and tested in both friction modes. Moreover, an analytical model of the damper was developed to estimate the performance of the piezoelectric actuators within the clamping system. Experimental results showed that the proposed device achieves a force range factor of 1.9. These experimental results also compare well with those obtained from the analytical model of the damper. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Implementation and application of the unconditionally stable explicit parametrically dissipative KR‐α method for real‐time hybrid simulation
Authors: Kolay Chinmoy , Ricles James M. , Marullo Thomas M. , Mahvashmohammadi Akbar , Sause Richard
Published: October 2014

In real‐time hybrid simulations (RTHS) that utilize explicit integration algorithms, the inherent damping in the analytical substructure is generally defined using mass and initial stiffness proportional damping. This type of damping model is known to produce inaccurate results when the structure undergoes significant inelastic deformations. To alleviate the problem, a form of a nonproportional damping model often used in numerical simulations involving implicit integration algorithms can be considered. This type of damping model, however, when used with explicit integration algorithms can require a small time step to achieve the desired accuracy in an RTHS involving a structure with a large number of degrees of freedom. Restrictions on the minimum time step exist in an RTHS that are associated with the computational demand. Integrating the equations of motion for an RTHS with too large of a time step can result in spurious high‐frequency oscillations in the member forces for elements of the structural model that undergo inelastic deformations. The problem is circumvented by introducing the parametrically controllable numerical energy dissipation available in the recently developed unconditionally stable explicit KR‐α method. This paper reviews the formulation of the KR‐α method and presents an efficient implementation for RTHS. Using the method, RTHS of a three‐story 0.6‐scale prototype steel building with nonlinear elastomeric dampers are conducted with a ground motion scaled to the design basis and maximum considered earthquake hazard levels. The results show that controllable numerical energy dissipation can significantly eliminate spurious participation of higher modes and produce exceptional RTHS results. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Study of the Use of the e‐rater® Scoring Engine for the Analytical Writing Measure of the GRE® revised General Test
Authors: Breyer F. Jay , Attali Yigal , Williamson David M. , Ridolfi‐McCulla Laura , Ramineni Chaitanya , Duchnowski Matthew , Harris April
Published: October 2014

In this research, we investigated the feasibility of implementing the e‐rater® scoring engine as a check score in place of all‐human scoring for the Graduate Record Examinations® (GRE®) revised General Test (rGRE) Analytical Writing measure. This report provides the scientific basis for the use of e‐rater as a check score in operational practice. We proceeded with the investigation in four phases. In phase I, for both argument and issue prompts, we investigated the quality of human scoring consistency across individual prompts, as well as two groups of prompts organized into sets. The sets were composed of prompts with separate focused questions (i.e., variants) that must be addressed by the writer in the process of responding to the topic of the prompt. There are also groups of variants of prompts (i.e., grouped for scoring purposes by similar variants). Results showed adequate human scoring quality for model building and evaluation. In phase II, we investigated eight different e‐rater model variations each for argument and issue essays including prompt‐specific; variant‐specific; variant‐group–specific; and generic models both with and without content features at the rating level, at the task score level, and at the writing score level. Results showed the generic model was a valued alternative to the prompt‐specific, variant‐specific, and variant‐group–specific models, with and without the content features. In phase III, we evaluated the e‐rater models on a recently tested group from the spring of 2012 (between March 18, 2012, to June 18, 2012) following the introduction of scoring benchmarks. Results confirmed the feasibility of using a generic model at the rating and task score level and at the writing score level, demonstrating reliable cross‐task correlations, as well as divergent and convergent validity. In phase IV of the study, we purposely introduced a bias to simulate the effects of training the model on a potentially less able group of test takers in the spring of 2012. Results showed that use of the check‐score model increased the need for adjudications between 5% and 8%, yet the increase in bias actually increased the agreement of the scores at the analytical writing score level with all‐human scoring.
Boundary Layer Flow of Rotating Two Phase Nanofluid Over a Stretching Surface
Authors: Nadeem S. , Rehman Aziz Ur , Mehmood Rashid
Published: October 2014

An analysis is carried out to discover the influence of a rotating nanofluid over a stretching surface. The two phase nanofluid model is used for this study. Two types of nanoparticles, namely copper and titanium oxide are used in our analysis with water as the base fluid. The governing system of partial differential equations along with the corresponding boundary conditions are presented and then transformed into a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations using suitable similarity transformations. These equations are solved numerically by means of an iterative procedure called the midpoint integration scheme along with Richardson extrapolation. The results for flow and heat transfer characteristics are presented through graphs against nanoparticle volume fraction and rotation parameter for both types of nanoparticles. Quantities of physical interest such as local skin friction coefficients and local heat flux rate at the stretching surface are computed and analyzed. Numerical values for skin frictions and local heat flux rate are computed in the absence of nanoparticle volume fraction and rotation and they are found to be in very good agreement with the existing published literature.
Elucidating the Effects of Cu‐Nanoparticles in a Porous Medium vis‐à‐vis Heat Transfer Phenomena
Authors: Satheesh A. , Raj S. Adwiteey
Published: October 2014

In this paper, a numerical simulation technique is developed to investigate the qualitative and quantitative behaviour of Cu‐nanoparticles in a porous medium vis‐a‐vis the heat transfer enhancements—buoyancy driven flow in a two‐dimensional square cavity, with moving walls is presented. The model utilizes the finite volume approach to solve the Brinkman–Darcy equations for Cu‐nanoparticles in a porous media. Discretization is carried out for convective and diffusive fluxes using Quadratic Upwind Interpolation for Convective Kinematics (QUICK) and central difference schemes, respectively. Tri‐Diagonal Matrix Algorithm is invoked to solve the set of algebraic equations. The Darcy number (Da), Prandtl number (Pr), and volume fraction (χ) are varied from 10−3 to 10−1, 3 to 7, and 0% to 20%, respectively. Insight into the cause of variations in isotherms, streamlines, Nusselt number (Nu), and mid‐plane velocities is explicated. The present numerical results are compared with the existing literature and found to be in good agreement. Even though nanoparticles slightly hinder the activity of the fluid, they can augment the average Nu by 90% for Pr = 7, Da = 0.1, and χ = 20% as compared to the absence of nanoparticles. Their efficacy is more prominent for flows with higher Da and Pr. Quantitative values for Nu were obtained for various combinations of Pr, Da, and χ.
An evaluation of the performance diagnostic checklist–human services to assess an employee performance problem in a center‐based autism treatment facility
Authors: Ditzian Kyle , Wilder David A. , King Allison , Tanz Jeanine
Published: October 2014

The Performance Diagnostic Checklist–Human Services (PDC‐HS) is an informant‐based tool designed to assess the environmental variables that contribute to poor employee performance in human services settings. We administered the PDC‐HS to 3 supervisors to assess the variables that contributed to poor performance by 4 staff members when securing clients in therapy rooms at a treatment center for children with autism. The PDC‐HS identified a lack of appropriate consequences as contributing to poor staff performance. We then evaluated a PDC‐HS‐indicated intervention as well as an intervention not suggested by PDC‐HS results. The PDC‐HS‐indicated intervention (graphed feedback) was effective to increase performance; the non‐PDC‐HS‐based intervention was ineffective.
The use of behavioral skills training and in situ feedback to protect children with autism from abduction lures
Authors: Gunby Kristin V. , Rapp John T.
Published: October 2014

We examined the effects of behavioral skills training with in situ feedback on safe responding by children with autism to abduction lures that were presented after a high‐probability (high‐p) request sequence. This sequence was intended to simulate a grooming or recruitment process. Results show that all 3 participants ultimately acquired the safety response to abduction lures presented after a high‐p sequence and maintained the safety response at a 1‐month follow‐up.
INFLUENCE OF CONTEXTUAL FACTORS ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN A SAMPLE OF LATINO ADOLESCENTS: THE MODERATING ROLE OF SCHOOL ATTACHMENT
Authors: Fite Paula J. , Rubens Sonia L. , Cooley John L.
Published: October 2014

The present study further evaluated contextual factors (i.e., neighborhood violence and peer rejection) that contribute to academic performance by examining school attachment as a moderator of these associations in a sample of Latino high school students (N = 144, 54% male). Findings suggested that both neighborhood violence and peer rejection were negatively associated with academic performance. However, the influence of neighborhood violence depended on levels of school attachment, with neighborhood violence unrelated to poor academic performance when levels of school attachment were high. In contrast, peer rejection was robustly associated with poor academic performance, regardless of the level of school attachment. Implications of findings are discussed.
AN INVESTIGATION OF HOPE AND CONTEXT
Authors: Stevens Edward B. , Buchannan Brett , Ferrari Joseph R. , Jason Leonard A. , Ram Daphna
Published: October 2014

One of the tenets of community psychology is examining psychological phenomena in context, and our studies explored the relationship between hope and context among individuals in recovery for substance use disorders. Study 1 involved 595 participants who resided in 90 recovery homes. We found that context, as house effects, was salient in residents’ perceptions of hope, suggesting that the context of recovery homes–their configurations and dynamics–may play a role in an individual's future perspective. Study 2 involved 102 recovering adults. Findings indicated that one's perceived context (i.e., opportunities, choices, and obstacles) was related to not only one's self‐reported levels of hope but also one's perception of hope for others. Approximately 50% of an individual's hopefulness was explained by contextual factors, thus suggesting that system‐level effects are critical to an individual's hopefulness. The finding that context was predictive of hopefulness suggests that a community psychology perspective on feelings of hope is critical, especially for individuals in substance use recovery. Implications regarding the importance of hope and context for ecological research and contextual influences on behavior change are discussed.
Effects of koji‐making with mixed strains on physicochemical and sensory properties of Chinese‐type soy sauce
Authors: Chen Zhi‐Yao , Feng Yun‐Zi , Cui Chun , Zhao Hai‐Feng , Zhao Mou‐Ming
Published: October 2014

BACKGROUND

Two kinds of soy sauces were prepared with Aspergillus oryzae koji (SSAO) and mixed koji (SSAOM, A. oryzae mouldstarter:Monascus purpureus mouldstarter = 1:2, w/w) respectively. The effects of mixed koji on the essential indices, oxygen radical absorption capacity, color indices, free amino acids and volatile compounds of soy sauce have been studied, followed by a sensory evaluation between SSAO and SSAOM.

RESULTS

The contents of non‐salt soluble solid, reducing sugar, total acid, total nitrogen and amino nitrogen in SSAOM increased by 21.50%, 9.88%, 15.35%, 5.98% and 41.43%, respectively, compared with the control SSAO, owing to the higher activities of acid protease and glucoamylase in the mixed koji. Moreover, SSAOM showed higher antioxidant activity, higher levels of free amino acids and much more attractive color. Meanwhile, flavor groups such as esters, aldehydes, pyrazines and sulfur‐containing compounds in SSAOM were also improved. The contents of free amino acids and aroma compounds were consistent with the sensory evaluation. According to descriptive sensory analysis, SSAOM showed higher intensity for sweet and umami attributes; in addition, higher flowery, burnt, fruity and caramel‐like attributes were perceived in SSAOM, while SSAO showed higher ethanolic and sour attributes.

CONCLUSIONS

The investigated soy sauce prepared with mixed koji can be considered as an effective method to accelerate the fermentation process and improve the flavor of soy sauce. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
A multidimensional gas chromatography method for the analysis of hydrogen sulfide in crude oil and crude oil headspace
Authors: Heshka Nicole E. , Hager Darcy B.
Published: October 2014

Two‐dimensional heart‐cutting gas chromatography is used to analyze dissolved hydrogen sulfide in crude samples. Liquid samples are separated first on an HP‐PONA column, and the light sulfur gases are heart‐cut to a GasPro column, where hydrogen sulfide is separated from other light sulfur gases and detected with a sulfur chemiluminescence detector. Heart‐cutting is accomplished with the use of a Deans switch. Backflushing the columns after hydrogen sulfide detection eliminates any problems caused by high‐boiling hydrocarbons in the samples. Dissolved hydrogen sulfide is quantified in 14 crude oil samples, and the results are shown in this work. The method is also applicable to the analysis of headspace hydrogen sulfide over crude oil samples. Gas hydrogen sulfide measurements are compared to liquid hydrogen sulfide measurements for the same sample set. The chromatographic system design is discussed, and chromatograms of representative gas and liquid measurements are shown.
Mixed Generation Sensitivity Analysis: An Optimal Scenario Study
Authors: Wilson Reginald
Published: October 2014

There are several generating units available to meet the load demand on any given day. The mixed‐integer programme case engages generating units that can be shut down or operated between minimum and maximum output levels within a specific time demand block. An examination of these conditions espouses the utilization of renewable energy technology as a reliable power generation source and its effectiveness and augmentation in a robust, heavily subjugated thermal generation system. The mixed‐integer problem has the predisposition to generate many subproblems during the computation. However, with careful selection of the parameters in the model, the challenges are easily overcome. Hydroelectric energy is significant from an operational standpoint as it requires little or no ramp‐up time, commonly found in many combustion technologies. The essential load‐following capability, peaking capacity and voltage stability attributes render hydroelectric energy as a significant part in ensuring reliable electricity service and in meeting customer needs in a market‐driven industry. When this renewable resource is combined with the thermal generation, an improved reliability function is apparent. Yet, in order to minimize the environmental effects inherent in this type of energy resource, the renewable power supply is expected to produce an effectual, consistent output. The integration of renewable generation within the electrical system entails intricate analysis of the transmission line upgrades throughout the system. These upgrades are designed to relieve congestion, improve reliability and provide voltage support by thoroughly evaluating the alternatives to accommodate the new expansion efforts. This paper examines the system integration of renewable generators, via simulated studies, in the context of electrical operations from the hydroelectric generation perspective. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regional fractional ventilation mapping in spontaneously breathing mice using hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI
Authors: Imai Hirohiko , Matsumoto Hironobu , Miyakoshi Erika , Okumura Shintaro , Fujiwara Hideaki , Kimura Atsuomi
Published: October 2014

The feasibility of ventilation imaging with hyperpolarized (HP) 129Xe MRI has been investigated for quantitative and regional assessment of ventilation in spontaneously breathing mice. The multiple breath ventilation imaging technique was modified to the protocol of spontaneous inhalation of HP 129Xe delivered continuously from a 129Xe polarizer. A series of 129Xe ventilation images was obtained by varying the number of breaths before the 129Xe lung imaging. The fractional ventilation, r, was successfully evaluated for spontaneously breathing mice. An attempt was made to detect ventilation dysfunction in the emphysematous mouse lung induced by intratracheal administration of porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE). As a result, the distribution of fractional ventilation could be visualized by the r map. Significant dysfunction of ventilation was quantitatively identified in the PPE‐treated group. The whole‐lung r value of 0.34 ± 0.01 for control mice (N = 4) was significantly reduced, to 0.25 ± 0.07, in PPE‐treated mice (N = 4) (p = 0.038). This study is the first application of multiple breath ventilation imaging to spontaneously breathing mice, and shows that this methodology is sensitive to differences in the pulmonary ventilation. This methodology is expected to improve simplicity as well as noninvasiveness when assessing regional ventilation in small rodents. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Auxiliary space multigrid method based on additive Schur complement approximation
Authors: Kraus J. , Lymbery M. , Margenov S.
Published: October 2014

In this paper, the idea of auxiliary space multigrid methods is introduced. The construction is based on a two‐level block factorization of local (finite element stiffness) matrices associated with a partitioning of the domain into overlapping or non‐overlapping subdomains. The two‐level method utilizes a coarse‐grid operator obtained from additive Schur complement approximation. Its analysis is carried out in the framework of auxiliary space preconditioning and condition number estimates for both the two‐level preconditioner and the additive Schur complement approximation are derived. The two‐level method is recursively extended to define the auxiliary space multigrid algorithm. In particular, so‐called Krylov cycles are considered. The theoretical results are supported by a representative collection of numerical tests that further demonstrate the efficiency of the new algorithm for multiscale problems. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Serotonin Toxicity Association with Concomitant Antidepressants and Rasagiline Treatment: Retrospective Study (STACCATO)
Authors: Panisset Michel , Chen Jack J. , Rhyee Sean H. , Conner Jill , Mathena Julie ,   the STACCATO study investigators
Published: October 2014

Background

The serotonin toxicity syndrome (STS) is a potential risk with concurrent use of the monoamine oxidase type‐B inhibitor rasagiline and antidepressants.

Objective

To assess systematically the occurrence of STS in patients with Parkinson disease (PD) treated with rasagiline plus antidepressants (R+ATD), rasagiline without antidepressants (R), or antidepressants plus anti‐PD dopaminergic medications (ATD) other than either rasagiline or selegiline.

Methods

A phase IV multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted of patients with PD who began receiving R+ATD, R, or ATD between September 1, 2006, and December 31, 2008. Medical records were reviewed for patient demographics, treatment details, and hospitalizations/emergency department (ED) visits. An adjudication committee independently reviewed records to verify case ascertainment and used the Hunter Serotonin Toxicity Criteria for case definition. Outcome variables were analyzed by descriptive statistics.

Results

A total of 1504 patients with PD (471 with R+ATD; 511 with R; and 525 with ATD) were enrolled from 37 sites. In the R+ATD and ATD groups, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were most frequently used (74.5% and 77%, respectively). In the R+ATD and ATD groups, mean duration of antidepressant use (tricyclic, SSRI, and other) were 50.5–53.5 weeks and 51.7–80.9 weeks, respectively. Overall, 195 patients (13%) from all three groups had one or more hospitalization/ED visits. No cases of STS were identified in any group.

Conclusions

In this large multicenter retrospective cohort study, concurrent administration of R+ATD was not associated with STS. The findings of this phase IV study expand the drug interaction and pharmacovigilance safety awareness for the use of antidepressants in patients with PD.
Functional characterization of epithelial ovarian cancer histotypes by drug target based protein signaling activation mapping: Implications for personalized cancer therapy
Authors: Sereni Maria Isabella , Baldelli Elisa , Gambara Guido , Deng Jianghong , Zanotti Laura , Bandiera Elisabetta , Bignotti Eliana , Ragnoli Monica , Tognon Germana , Ravaggi Antonella , Meani Francesco , Memo Maurizio , Angioli Roberto , Liotta Lance A. , Pecorelli Sergio L. , Petricoin Emanuel , Pierobon Mariaelena
Published: October 2014

Epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) is a deadly disease, with a 5‐year survival of 30%. The aim of the study was to perform broad‐scale protein signaling activation mapping to evaluate if EOC can be redefined based on activated protein signaling network architecture rather than histology. Tumor cells were isolated using laser capture microdissection (LCM) from 72 EOCs. Tumors were classified as serous (n = 38), endometrioid (n = 13), mixed (n = 8), clear cell (CCC; n = 7), and others (n = 6). LCM tumor cells were lysed and subjected to reverse‐phase protein microarray to measure the expression/activation level of 117 protein drug targets. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis was utilized to explore the overall signaling network. ANOVA was used to detect significant differences among the groups (p < 0.05). Regardless of histology, unsupervised analysis revealed five pathway‐driven clusters. When the EOC histotypes were compared by ANOVA, only CCC showed a distinct signaling network, with activation of EGFR, Syk, HER2/ErbB2, and SHP2 (p = 0.0007, p = 0.0021, p < 0.0001, and p = 0.0410, respectively). The histological classification of EOC fails to adequately describe the underpinning protein signaling network. Nevertheless, CCC presents unique signaling characteristics compared to the other histotypes. EOC may need to be characterized by functional signaling activation mapping rather than pure histology.
Differential regulation of FGFR3 by PTPN1 and PTPN2
Authors: St‐Germain Jonathan R. , Taylor Paul , Zhang Wen , Li Zhihua , Ketela Troy , Moffat Jason , Neel Benjamin G. , Trudel Suzanne , Moran Michael F.
Published: October 2014

Aberrant expression and activation of FGFR3 is associated with disease states including bone dysplasia and malignancies of bladder, cervix, and bone marrow. MS analysis of protein‐phosphotyrosine in multiple myeloma cells revealed a prevalent phosphorylated motif, D/EYYR/K, derived from the kinase domain activation loops of tyrosine kinases including FGFR3 corresponding to a recognition sequence of protein‐tyrosine phosphatase PTPN1. Knockdown of PTPN1 or the related enzyme PTPN2 by RNAi resulted in ligand‐independent activation of FGFR3. Modulation of FGFR3 activation loop phosphorylation by both PTPN1 and PTPN2 was a function of receptor trafficking and phosphotyrosine phosphatase (PTP) compartmentalization. The FGFR3 activation loop motif DYYKK650 is altered to DYYKE650 in the oncogenic variant FGFR3K650E, and consequently it is constitutively fully activated and unaffected by activation loop phosphorylation. FGFR3K650E was nevertheless remarkably sensitive to negative regulation by PTPN1 and PTPN2. This suggests that in addition to modulating FGFR3 phosphorylation, PTPN1 and PTPN2 constrain the kinase domain by fostering an inactive‐state. Loss of this constraint in response to ligand or impaired PTPN1/N2 may initiate FGFR3 activation. These results suggest a model wherein PTP expression levels may define conditions that select for ectopic FGFR3 expression and activation during tumorigenesis.
Biomarkers of colorectal cancer: Recent advances and future challenges
Authors: Coghlin Caroline , Murray Graeme I.
Published: October 2014

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignancy and it contributes significantly to cancer mortality. Outcomes in colorectal cancer vary between patients and this is due to the complexity of colorectal carcinogenesis. Interactions between tumor cells and their microenvironment, genetic alterations, and changes in intracellular signalling networks are just some of the abnormal pathways involved in colorectal cancer development. Recent research has targeted components of all of these systems in order to develop biomarkers to aid in the early diagnosis of CRC and to assist in prognostic stratification. Proteomic analysis of tissue or blood‐derived samples from CRC patients has proven to be a valuable technique for the identification of potentially informative biomarkers. Such biomarkers may prove to be clinically applicable and could offer greater patient acceptability when compared to conventional methods such as fecal‐based testing. In this article we review the recent advances in the development of protein biomarkers of CRC with an emphasis on biomarkers available in the patient's serum and from tissue‐based samples. Future challenges in terms of the development of accurate diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers of CRC and the importance of validation and patient acceptability are also discussed.
Biometric watermarks based on face recognition methods for authentication of digital images
Authors: Wójtowicz Wioletta , Ogiela Marek R.
Published: October 2014

Because making digital images secure runs into the substantial challenge of owner authentication, many security schemes based on cryptography, steganography and watermarking technology include biometric recognition methods. To follow on these studies, this paper describes a combination of facial images with watermarking technology to automatically authenticate digital images owners/users. In the proposed methodology, biometric face recognition methods such as principal component analysis and eigenfeature regularization and extraction produce vectorial representations of facial images. These vectors are used as copyright watermarks, in a few common watermarking schemes, and are tested for identification purposes after they are extracted. Initially, watermarking algorithms are studied with some arbitrary cover image, and also the most robust algorithm is tested for different cover images of particular subjects. The strength of this paper is finding relationships between the original and extracted biometric data using neural networks instead of the most common, simple measures such as correlation coefficients or distance metrics. The NN subject identification is performed directly, as there is no need to reconstruct facial images after the watermarks are extracted, compute templates for particular subjects, or seek a suitable distance metric. What is more, the presented study includes a performance comparison of two machine learning methods, frequently used for face recognition, and of a few popular watermarking algorithms. Very promising identification results were obtained in many considered experiments, even those involving attacks on watermarked images. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A principal stratification approach for evaluating natural direct and indirect effects in the presence of treatment‐induced intermediate confounding
Authors: Taguri Masataka , Chiba Yasutaka
Published: October 2014

Recently, several authors have shown that natural direct and indirect effects (NDEs and NIEs) can be identified under the sequential ignorability assumptions, as long as there is no mediator–outcome confounder that is affected by the treatment. However, if such a confounder exists, NDEs and NIEs will generally not be identified without making additional identifying assumptions. In this article, we propose novel identification assumptions and estimators for evaluating NDEs and NIEs under the usual sequential ignorability assumptions, using the principal stratification framework. It is assumed that the treatment and the mediator are dichotomous. We must impose strong assumptions for identification. However, even if these assumptions were violated, the bias of our estimator would be small under typical conditions, which can be easily evaluated from the observed data. This conjecture is confirmed for binary outcomes by deriving the bounds of the bias terms. In addition, the advantage of our estimator is illustrated through a simulation study. We also propose a method of sensitivity analysis that examines what happens when our assumptions are violated. We apply the proposed method to data from the National Center for Health Statistics. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mathematical Modeling of Nitrogen Removal from the Vacuum Tank Degasser
Authors: Yu Shan , Miettinen Jyrki , Shao Lei , Louhenkilpi Seppo
Published: October 2014

The removal of nitrogen from an industrial vacuum tank degasser depends on a series of operational parameters, steel composition, and contents of surface‐active elements in liquid steel, e.g., oxygen and sulfur. The effect of some specific elements on nitrogen removal in the vacuum degasser has been (well) examined. Still, it is quite challenging to assess the overall effect of the whole steel composition on the process. The focus of the present work was to predict nitrogen removal from the vacuum degasser specially taking into account the multi‐component effect of steel composition. An integrated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model for simulating nitrogen (and hydrogen) removal in industrial vacuum tank degassers was therefore developed based on theories and methods that are relatively separate in the literature. In order to include the multi‐component effect, the model is coupled with an in‐house thermodynamics code that can be used to determine the activity coefficient of nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur as a function of steel composition and temperature. The code was verified by comparing the calculated activity coefficients against experimental measurements from various sources. Efforts were also put into developing an on‐line use concept to control the nitrogen removal. The gas plume, flow field, and evolutions of nitrogen and hydrogen during vacuum treatment were predicted and the on‐line concept was demonstrated by presenting two operating diagrams. The results showed that the final nitrogen content decreases with an increase in the chemical reaction rate constant and a decrease in the initial nitrogen content. By contrary, the final nitrogen content increases with a decrease in the chemical reaction rate constant and an increase in the initial nitrogen content. Finally, the operating diagrams were validated by industrial data and observations.
Study on gelatinization property and edible quality mechanism of rice
Authors: Huang Ting , Zhu Bo , Du Xuezhu , Li Bin , Wu Xiaofang , Wang Shishuai
Published: October 2014

The different quality of rice in simulated cooking process was investigated by using SEM, FT‐IR, XRD, and DSC methods. The result shows that the starch granules of rice of low amylose content (AC) have more pores and cavities, which directly led to the swelling of rice starch granule. With the change in temperature, the changes in intensity and width of the IR bands showed that the variation in proportion area of crystalline to non‐crystalline was related to AC of rice. According to the interpretative sensitivity of the data obtained, XRD method was suggested adequate for characterizing the pasting property of different quality of rice. Besides, DSC method showed the AC was not relevant to pasting temperature and enthalpy.
Starch gelatinization using sodium silicate: FTIR, DSC, XRPD, and NMR studies
Authors: Rashid Iyad , Omari Mahmoud H. Al , Leharne Stephen A. , Chowdhry Babur Z. , Badwan Adnan
Published: October 2014

The chemical and physical modifications of native maize starch subjected to treatment with aqueous Na silicate have been investigated. The application of FTIR, DSC, XRPD, and NMR analysis is discussed herein with respect to the interaction of Na silicate with starch in relation to gelatinization. XRPD results indicate that Na silicate, in the ionized form, disrupts the molecular structure of starch in a manner similar to thermally induced starch gelatinization. In addition, Na silicate forms new CO–O–SiO2Na moieties with the amylopectin starch component. This was ascertained by the detection of the in‐plane vibration of the –Si–O as a distinctive FTIR band at 580–600 cm−1 and the appearance of a new carboxyl group (–COOH) NMR chemical shift at 168 ppm for the amylopectin/Na silicate system. DSC analysis showed two adjacent endothermic transitions at 192 and 198°C for starch/amylopectin treated with Na silicate whereas amylose treated with Na silicate did not show any new endothermic/or exothermic transitions.
Effect of damaged starch on wheat starch thermal behavior
Authors: Barrera Gabriela N. , León Alberto E. , Ribotta Pablo D.
Published: October 2014

The influence of damaged starch (DS) on gelatinization and retrogradation wheat starch properties was investigated. Samples with different content of DS were obtained and evaluated. DSC was used for monitoring the changes in thermal behavior of the starch samples at different water amounts. Starch thermal transitions were affected simultaneously by DS content and water content. The Flory–Huggins parameters were modified by DS. A significant raise in the T°m, and x1–2, and a decrease in ΔHu was recorded. The AP retrogradation kinetics was evaluated by Avrami model. A significant increase of the AP crystallization rate was observed when DS increased. The results demonstrated the importance of the presence of physically damaged granules on wheat starch properties.