bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Power-Efficient Bio-Potential Acquisition Device with DS-MDE Sensors for Long-Term Healthcare Monitoring Applications
Authors: Chang Chia-Lin , Chang Chih-Wei , Huang Hong-Yi , Hsu Chen-Ming , Huang Chia-Hsuan , Chiou Jin-Chern , Luo Ching-Hsing
Published: May 2010

This work describes a power-efficient bio-potential acquisition device for long-term healthcare applications that is implemented using novel microelectromechanical dry electrodes (MDE) and a low power bio-potential processing chip. Using micromachining technology, an attempt is also made to enhance the sensing reliability and stability by fabricating a diamond-shaped MDE (DS-MDE) that has a satisfactory self-stability capability and superior electric conductivity when attached onto skin without any extra skin tissue injury technology. To acquire differential bio-potentials such as ECG signals, the proposed processing chip fabricated in a standard CMOS process has a high common mode rejection ratio (C.M.R.R.) differential amplifier and a 12-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC). Use of the proposed system and integrate simple peripheral commercial devices can obtain the ECG signal efficiently without additional skin tissue injury and ensure continuous monitoring more than 70 hours with a 400 mAh battery.
A Review on Toxic and Harmful Algae in Greek Coastal Waters (E. Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Ignatiades Lydia , Gotsis-Skretas Olympia
Published: May 2010

The Greek coastal waters are subjected to harmful algal bloom (HAB) phenomena due to the occurrence of species characterized as toxic (TX), potentially toxic (PT), and non-toxic, high biomass (HB) producers causing harm at multiple levels. The total number of (TX), (PT) and (HB) algae reported in this work are 61, but only 16 species have been associated with the occurrence of important HABs causing damage in the marine biota and the water quality. These phenomena are sporadic in time, space and recurrence of the causative species, and are related to the anthropogenically-induced eutrophication conditions prevailing in the investigated areas.
Consequences and Utility of the Zinc-Dependent Metalloprotease Activity of Anthrax Lethal Toxin
Authors: Bromberg-White Jennifer , Lee Chih-Shia , Duesbery Nicholas
Published: May 2010

Anthrax is caused by the gram-positive bacterium Bacillus anthracis. The pathogenesis of this disease is dependent on the presence of two binary toxins, edema toxin (EdTx) and lethal toxin (LeTx). LeTx, the major virulence factor contributing to anthrax, contains the effector moiety lethal factor (LF), a zinc-dependent metalloprotease specific for targeting mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases. This review will focus on the protease-specific activity and function of LF, and will include a discussion on the implications and consequences of this activity, both in terms of anthrax disease, and how this activity can be exploited to gain insight into other pathologic conditions.
Antinous, Archaeology and History
Authors: Vout Caroline
Published: May 2010

Antinous was the young, male lover of Hadrian. His premature death in A.D. 130 led to an oddly extravagant commemoration. Post-Renaissance he became one of the most collectable portrait types. This article re-examines the corpus of portraits as it is currently configured. Its primary aim is not to exclude or add pieces but to question the criteria on which inclusion and exclusion are based. This questioning cuts to the heart of issues of identification, dating, and authenticity which impact on art-historical classification more generally. It exposes how in some ways the modern Antinous is one of the discipline's making.
Virgil's Ptolemaic Relations
Authors: Hardie Phillip
Published: May 2010

An allusive plot of an incestuous brother-sister marriage runs through Virgil's story of Dido and Aeneas, signalled both by imagery comparing Dido and Aeneas to Diana and Apollo, moon and sun, and by allusion to Callimachean poems celebrating actual brother-sister marriages at the Ptolemaic court. Aeneas' departure from Carthage marks the relegation to the past of Alexandrian temptations and a journey to a future foundation based on exogamy, although Italy itself is not free from the dangers of incest and fratricide. Ovid's explicit tales of incest comment on Virgil's allusive narrative.
An Irrigation Decree from Roman Spain: The Lex Rivi Hiberiensis
Authors: Lloris Francisco Beltrán
Published: May 2010

The article presents an edition of and commentary on a Latin bronze inscription (152 lines long) from the time of Hadrian, found at Agón, near Caesaraugusta (Zaragoza), in ancient Hispania Citerior. The inscription contains a set of regulations (lex riui Hiberiensis) governing an irrigation community consisting of rural districts (pagi) from two different cities (Caesaraugusta and Cascantum) which shared a canal, the riuus Hiberiensis. The lex was produced in accordance with an agreement of the pagani after the intervention of the provincial governor [—Fun]ndanus Augustanus Alpinus. It provides information about the pagus institutions (magistri pagi, concilium, curatores, publicani?) as well as procedural aspects such as iusiurandum, uadimonium, and judicial formulae.
Reassessing the ‘Cumaean Chronicle’: Greek Chronology and Roman History in Dionysius of Halicarnassus
Authors: Gallia Andrew B.
Published: May 2010

A biographical digression on the Cumaean tyrant Aristodemus Malacus in Dionysius' Roman Antiquities has elicited widespread speculation about the existence of an early Greek source for events in Italy contemporaneous with the origins of the Roman Republic. The communis opinion about the importance of this hypothetical ‘Cumaean chronicle’ warrants reconsideration on two grounds. First, the events in question fall well before the development of Greek historical writing concerned with contemporary events. Second, we must not overlook the potential impact on the tradition of Roman historians who wished to integrate their city's early history with that of the wider (Greek) world.
‘Brother-Sister’ Marriage in Roman Egypt: a Curiosity of Humankind or a Widespread Family Strategy?
Authors: Huebner Sabine R.
Published: May 2010

Scholars over the last few decades have been unable to find a convincing explanation for the widespread practice of brother-sister marriage among the common people in Roman Egypt, a social practice seemingly disregarding one of the most fundamental taboos. This paper now argues that these ‘incestuous’ marriages were in fact marriages between a biological child and an adopted one, a practice documented also for other parts of the Eastern Mediterranean. Due to the severe mortality regime before the demographic transition, up to 30 per cent of all fathers did not have a male heir, and therefore adopting the son-in-law was a common succession and inheritance strategy in many pre-modern societies.
Contextualizing Colonatus: The Origo of the Late Roman Empire
Authors: Grey Cam
Published: May 2010

Building on recent scholarship concerning the ‘colonate of the late Roman Empire’, and focusing in particular upon the vocabulary used in the legal sources, this paper offers three propositions. First, the colonatus of the legislation was not a legal shorthand for the ‘colonate’ of modern historiographical debate. Second, the coloni of the legislation were not a discrete group of individuals subjected to a definable, articulated set of restrictions. Finally, it is not colonatus but rather the origo and the link it created between individuals and the land which is the key to the tax system of the late Roman Empire.
Martial's Ovid / Ovid's Martial
Authors: Hinds Stephen
Published: May 2010

This paper allows Ovid to shape a reading of Martial, and Martial to shape a reading of Ovid. It proceeds through close readings of some 40 epigrams, and is organized into three large sections respectively addressing receptions in Martial of Ovid's poetry of elegiac love (I), of exile (II), and of myth (III). The final section offers sustained discussion of Martial's early Apophoreta (Book 14) and Liber Spectaculorum. Issues addressed include genre, intertextuality, sexual vocabulary and euphemism, exile as a figure for status anxiety, the metapoetics of book production, ecphrastic movement between art and epigrammatic text, and the aesthetics of myth in the Roman arena.
Caesar at the Lupercalia
Authors: North J. A.
Published: May 2010

This article examines the context in which Caesar, enthroned in state, attended the Festival of the Lupercalia of 44 B.C. at which he was offered and rejected a diadem; it asks the question what the ritual had to offer to Caesar. An examination of the Festival's character and tradition suggests (a) that it took the form of a street carnival, (b) that it was concerned simultaneously with the purification, fertility and protection of the people of Rome, and (c) that it had no element of a coronation in its rituals. The suggestion is offered that Caesar's prime motivation was to associate himself with the founders of the city, since he and his family were receiving the honour of a new group of Luperci, set up to parallel those of Romulus and Remus. If Antony's offering of the diadem was pre-arranged, the light-hearted and provocative atmosphere of the occasion strongly suggests that the plan must always have been that Caesar should publicly reject the offer, as he did. But the whole incident illustrates the vigour and creativity of religious life at the time.
Incest or Adoption? Brother-Sister Marriage in Roman Egypt Revisited
Authors: Remijsen Sofie , Clarysse Willy
Published: May 2010

In JRS 97 Sabine Huebner argued that the brother-sister marriages in Roman Egypt could be explained as marriages between an adopted son and a natural daughter, a widespread family strategy in the Eastern Mediterranean. Remijsen and Clarysse now return to the traditional view that Egyptians did marry their full sisters. Ancient authors considered brother-sister marriages as a peculiarity of the whole Egyptian population and, moreover, papyrological sources do not prove any connection between adoption and brother-sister marriage. Neither the household size nor the onomastic pattern in families with brother-sister marriages are consistent with the usual adoption practices of the Eastern Mediterranean.
IL-35 Stimulation of CD39+ Regulatory T Cells Confers Protection against Collagen II-Induced Arthritis via the Production of IL-10
Authors: Kochetkova Irina , Golden Sarah , Holderness Kathryn , Callis Gayle , Pascual David W.
Published: May 2010

IL-35 is produced by regulatory T cells, and this novel cytokine can downregulate Th17 cell development and inhibit autoimmune inflammation. In this work, an rIL-35, as a single-chain fusion between murine IL-12p35 and EBV-induced gene 3, was expressed in yeast. This rIL-35 inhibited OVA-specific cellular and Ab responses in OVA-challenged recipients of DO11.10 CD4+ T cells. Likewise, IL-35 inhibited clinical manifestation of collagen-induced arthritis or could cease further disease exacerbation upon initiation of IL-35 treatment. Exogenous IL-35 treatments suppressed Th1 and Th17 cells and promoted CD39 expression by CD4+ T cells. Sorted CD25−CD39+CD4+ T cells from IL-35–treated mice produced IL-10 and, upon adoptive transfer, were sufficiently potent to inhibit subsequent development of inflammation in mice with collagen-induced arthritis, whereas sorted CD25+CD39+CD4+ T cells showed reduced potency. IL-35 treatments of IL-10−/− mice failed to induce protective CD39+CD4+ T cells, demonstrating the effector role of IL-10 by IL-35 immunosuppression.
Alteration of Differentiation Potentials by Modulating GATA Transcription Factors in Murine Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Capo-chichi Callinice D. , Smedberg Jennifer L. , Rula Malgorzata , Nicolas Emmanuelle , Yeung Anthony T. , Adamo Richard F. , Frolov Andrey , Godwin Andrew K. , Xu Xiang-Xi
Published: May 2010

Background. Mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells can be differentiated in vitro by aggregation and/or retinoic acid (RA) treatment. The principal differentiation lineage in vitro is extraembryonic primitive endoderm. Dab2, Laminin, GATA4, GATA5, and GATA6 are expressed in embryonic primitive endoderm and play critical roles in its lineage commitment.Results. We found that in the absence of GATA4 or GATA5, RA-induced primitive endoderm differentiation of ES cells was reduced. GATA4 (−/−) ES cells express higher level of GATA5, GATA6, and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha marker of visceral endoderm lineage. GATA5 (−/−) ES cells express higher level of alpha fetoprotein marker of early liver development. GATA6 (−/−) ES cells express higher level of GATA5 as well as mesoderm and cardiomyocyte markers which are collagen III alpha-1 and tropomyosin1 alpha. Thus, deletion of GATA6 precluded endoderm differentiation but promoted mesoderm lineages.Conclusions. GATA4, GATA5, and GATA6 each convey a unique gene expression pattern and influences ES cell differentiation. We showed that ES cells can be directed to avoid differentiating into primitive endoderm and to adopt unique lineages in vitro by modulating GATA factors. The finding offers a potential approach to produce desirable cell types from ES cells, useful for regenerative cell therapy.
Prevalence of zinc deficiency among primary school children in a poor peri-urban informal settlement in South Africa
Authors: Samuel Folake O. , Egal Abdulkadir A. , Oldewage-Theron Wilna H. , Napier Carin E. , Venter Christine S.
Published: May 2010

This cross-sectional study assessed the risk of zinc deficiency in randomly selected children, aged between 7 and 11 years, living in a poor, peri-urban informal settlement in South Africa. Dietary intake of 149 respondents was evaluated by 24-hour recall and quantitative food frequency questionnaires. Anthropometric and biochemical indices of a subset of 113 were determined. Descriptive statistics, analysis of variance and Pearson correlations were computed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 14.0. Anthropometric data were analysed using the World Health Organization Anthro plus version 1.0.2 statistical software. Dietary data were analysed with FoodFinder® version 3. The mean age of the children was 9.0±1.1 years. Few zinc-rich sources appeared in the diet that was predominantly plant-based. Mean dietary zinc intake was 4.6±2.2 mg/day. The mean value of serum zinc was 66.4±21.5 µg/dL, with 46% of the children having values less than the 70 µg/dL cut-off. The findings indicate a high risk of zinc deficiency and suboptimal zinc status for the majority of this study population of children, possibly as a result of low consumption of food sources with high bioavailability of zinc, which invariably is a direct consequence of poverty and food insecurity.OpsommingDie doel van hierdie dwarsdeursnitstudie was die bepaling van die risiko van ’n sinktekort in ’n ewekansige steekproef van 7 tot 11 jaar-oue kinders, woonagtig in ’n arm, voorstedelike informele woonbuurt in Suid Afrika. Dieetinnames van 149 respondente is geëvalueer deur 24-uur herroep en kwantitatiewe voedselfrekwensie vraelyste. Antropometriese en biochemiese indikatore van ’n kleiner steekproef van 113 is ook bepaal. Beskrywende statistiek, analise van variansie en Pearsonkorrelasies is bepaal deur die Statistical Package for Social Sciences, uitgawe 14.0. Antropometriese data is geanaliseer deur die statistiese program, Anthro plus, uitgawe 1.0.2, van die Wêreld Gesondheid Organisasie. Dieetdata is met behulp van FoodFinder® uitgawe 3 geanaliseer. Die gemiddelde ouderdom van die kinders was 9.0±1.1 jaar. Min sinkryke voedselbronne is in die hoofsaaklik plantryke dieet waargeneem. Die gemiddelde sinkinname was 4.6±2.2 mg/dag en die gemiddelde serumsinkwaarde was 66.4±21.5 µg/dL, met 46% van die kinders se waardes onder die 70 µg/dL afsnypunt. Die bevindings dui op ’n hoë risiko vir sinktekort en suboptimale sinkstatus vir die meerderheid van hierdie kinders, moontlik as gevolg van die swak inname van voedselbronne met hoë biobeskikbare sink, wat gewoonlik ’n direkte gevolg van armoede en huishoudelike voedsel insekuriteit is.
Invariant Theory of Abelian Transvection Groups
Authors: Broer Abraham
Published: May 2010

Let G be a finite group acting linearly on the vector space V over a field of arbitrary characteristic. The action is called coregular if the invariant ring is generated by algebraically independent homogeneous invariants, and the direct summand property holds if there is a surjective k[V]G-linear map π : k[V] → k[V]G.

The following Chevalley–Shephard–Todd type theorem is proved. Suppose G is abelian. Then the action is coregular if and only if G is generated by pseudo-reflections and the direct summand property holds.
On Some Stochastic Perturbations of Semilinear Evolution Equations
Authors: Milian Anna
Published: May 2010

We consider semilinear evolution equations with some locally Lipschitz nonlinearities, perturbed by Banach space valued, continuous, and adapted stochastic process. We show that under some assumptions there exists a solution to the equation. Using the result we show that there exists a mild, continuous, global solution to a semilinear Itô equation with locally Lipschitz nonlinearites. An example of the equation is given.
The Time Change Method and SDEs with Nonnegative Drift
Authors: Kurenok V. P.
Published: May 2010

Using the time change method we show how to construct a solution to the stochastic equation dXt = b(Xt–)dZt + a(Xt )dt with a nonnegative drift a provided there exists a solution to the auxililary equation dLt = [a–1/αb](Lt–) + dt where Z, ¯ are two symmetric stable processes of the same index α ∈ (0, 2]. This approach allows us to prove the existence of solutions for both stochastic equations for the values 0 < α < 1 and only measurable coefficients a and b satisfying some conditions of boundedness. The existence proof for the auxililary equation uses the method of integral estimates in the sense of Krylov.
Exceptional Covers of Surfaces
Authors: Achter Jeffrey D.
Published: May 2010

Consider a finite morphismf:X→Yof smooth, projective varieties over a finite field. SupposeXis the vanishing locus in ℙNofrforms of degree at mostd. We show that there is a constantCdepending only on (N,r,d) and deg(f) such that if || >C, thenf() :X() →Y() is injective if and only if it is surjective.
Projections in the Convex Hull of Surjective Isometries
Authors: Botelho Fernanda , Jamison James
Published: May 2010

We characterize those linear projections represented as a convex combination of two surjective isometries on standard Banach spaces of continuous functions with values in a strictly convex Banach space.
Near-Homeomorphisms of Nöbeling Manifolds
Authors: Chigogidze A. , Nagórko A.
Published: May 2010

We characterize maps between n-dimensional Nöbeling manifolds that can be approximated by homeomorphisms.
Einstein-Like Lorentz Metrics and Three-Dimensional Curvature Homogeneity of Order One
Authors: Calvaruso G.
Published: May 2010

We completely classify three-dimensional Lorentz manifolds, curvature homogeneous up to order one, equipped with Einstein-like metrics. New examples arise with respect to both homogeneous examples and three-dimensional Lorentz manifolds admitting a degenerate parallel null line field.
The role of magnetic handedness in magnetic cloud propagation
Authors: Taubenschuss U. , Erkaev N. V. , Biernat H. K. , Farrugia C. J. , Möstl C. , Amerstorfer U. V.
Published: May 2010

Abstract. We investigate the propagation of magnetic clouds (MCs) through the inner heliosphere using 2.5-D ideal magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations. A numerical solution is obtained on a spherical grid, either in a meridional plane or in an equatorial plane, by using a Roe-type approximate Riemann solver in the frame of a finite volume approach. The structured background solar wind is simulated for a solar activity minimum phase. In the frame of MC propagation, special emphasis is placed on the role of the initial magnetic handedness of the MC's force-free magnetic field because this parameter strongly influences the efficiency of magnetic reconnection between the MC's magnetic field and the interplanetary magnetic field. Magnetic clouds with an axis oriented perpendicular to the equatorial plane develop into an elliptic shape, and the ellipse drifts into azimuthal direction. A new feature seen in our simulations is an additional tilt of the ellipse with respect to the direction of propagation as a direct consequence of magnetic reconnection. During propagation in a meridional plane, the initial circular cross section develops a concave-outward shape. Depending on the initial handedness, the cloud's magnetic field may reconnect along its backside flanks to the ambient interplanetary magnetic field (IMF), thereby losing magnetic flux to the IMF. Such a process in combination with a structured ambient solar wind has never been analyzed in detail before. Furthermore, we address the topics of force-free magnetic field conservation and the development of equatorward flows ahead of a concave-outward shaped MC. Detailed profiles are presented for the radial evolution of magnetoplasma and geometrical parameters. The principal features seen in our MHD simulations are in good agreement with in-situ measurements performed by spacecraft. The 2.5-D studies presented here may serve as a basis under more simple geometrical conditions to understand more complicated effects seen in 3-D simulations.
A synthesized design of sliding‐mode and Luenberger observers for early detection of incipient faults
Authors: Chen Wen , Chowdhury Fahmida N.
Published: May 2010

In this paper, a new design of sliding mode observers (SMOs) for the purpose ofearlydetection of incipient faults is presented. This work is motivated by the fact that the strong robustness of the conventional SMO to bounded disturbances inevitably makes it insensitive to incipient faults when they are small in size during the initial phase; as a result, the fault‐detection residual generated through the SMO is not sensitive to incipient faults fora certain length of timeuntil they have become severe. On the contrary, the new design proposed in this paper ensures that the overall system is sensitive to incipient faults while remaining robust to disturbances. The design presented in this paper is based on the transformation of the system into two subsystems. One of these subsystems is free from disturbances and/or modeling errors: for this subsystem, a Luenberger observer is constructed; the other subsystem is subject to disturbances: an SMO is designed for this subsystem so that the effect of the disturbances is eliminated. Together, the entire system achieves both robustness to disturbances and sensitivity to incipient faults. Stability and convergence of the proposed SMO and Lueneberger observer are proved, and an aircraft example is employed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed design approach. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Processing of Carbon Nanofiber Reinforced ZrB2 Matrix Composites for Aerospace Applications
Authors: Barcena Jorge , Coleto Javier , Zhang Shi C. , Hilmas Gregory E. , Fahrenholtz William G.
Published: May 2010

Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) based on zirconium diboride (ZrB2) reinforced by vapor grown carbon nanofibers are a potential constituent of reusable thermal protection systems. A manufacturing procedure was devised that involved the fabrication of thin films by tape casting to obtain a layer that could be integrated into a more complex system. Higher thermal conductivities and improved toughness can be expected for nanofiber additions, as compared to the matrix alone. Consolidation by hot‐pressing was more effective than pressureless sintering, in terms of the final relative density and flatness of specimens. Examination of microstructures showed that few carbon nanofibers were present in the matrix after consolidation by sintering, which was attributed to a reaction between the nanofibers and zirconium oxide present on the surface of the ZrB2 powder. As a solution, oxygen impurities from the boride powders were removed by reduction with carbon coatings derived from phenolic resin. The deleterious reaction was avoided, but residual carbon remained at the grain boundaries, likely from decomposition of the binder. The use of an alternative binder (PMMA vs. PVB) will be used in future studies to reduce the residual carbon content. Further, consolidation by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) will be explored to further reduce the reaction of surface oxides with the nanofibers. Finally, characterization of the microstructure at the nanometric level and further determination of the mechanical and thermal properties will be conducted as part of future studies.
Cost‐Affordable Technique Involving Equal Channel Angular Pressing for the Manufacturing of Ultrafine Grained Sheets of an Al–Li–Mg–Sc Alloy
Authors: Kaibyshev Rustam , Tagirov Damir , Mogucheva Anna
Published: May 2010

A two‐step process consisting of modified equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) and subsequent isothermal rolling (IR) was developed to produce thin sheets of aluminum alloys with ultra‐fine grained (UFG) structure. Significant increase in the efficiency of ECAP was attained by using flat billets and a back pressure system. The incorporation of final IR into technologic route provides a reduced strain which is necessary to impose for the fabrication of thin sheets with UFG structure. In addition, it allows producing relatively “long billets.” In order to demonstrate the feasibility of this technique an Al–5.1Mg–2.1Li–0.17Sc–0.08Zr (wt %) alloy was subjected to ECAP at 325 °C to a total strain of ∼8 using processing route CX. The operation time of this processing did not exceed 15 min. Subsequent IR at the same temperature with a total reduction of 88% was applied to produce thin sheets with a 1.8 mm thickness and an average size of recrystallized grains of ∼1.6 µm. These sheets exhibit extraordinary high superplastic ductilities. In addition, this material demonstrated almost isotropic mechanical behavior at room temperature. The maximum elongation‐to‐failure of ∼2700% was attained at a temperature of 450 °C and an initial strain rate of 1.4 × 10−2 s−1. Thus it was demonstrated that the two‐step processing consisting of ECAP with a back pressure followed by IR was a simple technique providing potential capability for the fabrication of superplastic sheets from an Al–Mg–Li–Sc alloy on a commercial scale.
Hydrocracking of Fischer‐Tropsch waxes: Kinetic modeling via LHHW approach
Authors: Gambaro Chiara , Calemma Vincenzo , Molinari Daniele , Denayer Joeri
Published: May 2010

A lumped kinetic model to describe the hydrocracking of complex mixtures of paraffins, such as Fischer‐Tropsch waxes, has been developed. A Langmuir‐Hinshelwood‐Hougen‐Watson approach has been followed, accounting for physisorption by means of the Langmuir isotherm. Finally, a complete form of the rate expression is used, thus introducing the equilibrium constants for dehydrogenation and protonation elementary steps. To minimize the number of model parameters, the kinetic and thermodynamic constants are defined as functions of the chain length. Vapor–liquid equilibrium is calculated along the reactor, and the hydrocarbons concentrations are described by means of fugacity. The model provides quite a good fitting of experimental results and is able to predict the effects of the operating conditions (temperature, pressure, H2/wax ratio, and WHSV). Outstandingly, the estimated values and trends of the kinetic and thermodynamic constants (activation energies, Langmuir adsorption constants, etc.) are in line with their physical meaning. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
Long‐term effect of the complement inhibitor eculizumab on kidney function in patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
Authors: Hillmen Peter , Elebute Modupe , Kelly Richard , Urbano‐Ispizua Alvaro , Hill Anita , Rother Russell P. , Khursigara Gus , Fu Chieh‐Lin , Omine Mitsuhiro , Browne Paul , Rosse Wendell
Published: May 2010

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a debilitating and life‐threatening disease in which lysis of PNH red blood cells frequently manifests with chronic hemolysis, anemia, and thrombosis. Renal damage in PNH is associated with chronic hemosiderosis and/or microvascular thrombosis. We determined the incidence of renal dysfunction or damage, defined by stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD), in a large cohort of PNH patients and evaluated the safety and efficacy of the complement inhibitor eculizumab in altering its progression. Renal dysfunction or damage was observed in 65% of the study population at baseline with 21% of patients with later stage CKD or kidney failure (glomerular filtration rate [GFR] ≤60 ml/min/1.73 m2; Stage 3, 4, or 5). Eculizumab treatment was safe and well‐tolerated in patients with renal dysfunction or damage and resulted in the likelihood of improvement as defined as categorical reduction in CKD stage (P < 0.001) compared with baseline and to placebo (P = 0.04). Improvement in renal function was more commonly seen in patients with baseline CKD Stages 1–2 (67.1% improvement, P < 0.001) although improvement was also observed in patients with CKD Stages 3–4 (P = 0.05). Improvements occurred quickly and were sustained for at least 18 months of treatment. Patients categorized at CKD Stages 3–5 did not worsen during treatment with eculizumab. Overall, 40 (21%) of 195 patients who demonstrated renal dysfunction or damage at baseline were no longer classified as such after 18 months of treatment. Administration of eculizumab to patients with renal dysfunction or damage was well tolerated and was usually associated with clinical improvement. Am. J. Hematol. 85:553–559, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Biofuel Combustion Chemistry: From Ethanol to Biodiesel
Authors: Kohse‐Höinghaus Katharina , Oßwald Patrick , Cool Terrill A. , Kasper Tina , Hansen Nils , Qi Fei , Westbrook Charles K. , Westmoreland Phillip R.
Published: May 2010

Biofuels, such as bio‐ethanol, bio‐butanol, and biodiesel, are of increasing interest as alternatives to petroleum‐based transportation fuels because they offer the long‐term promise of fuel‐source regenerability and reduced climatic impact. Current discussions emphasize the processes to make such alternative fuels and fuel additives, the compatibility of these substances with current fuel‐delivery infrastructure and engine performance, and the competition between biofuel and food production. However, the combustion chemistry of the compounds that constitute typical biofuels, including alcohols, ethers, and esters, has not received similar public attention. Herein we highlight some characteristic aspects of the chemical pathways in the combustion of prototypical representatives of potential biofuels. The discussion focuses on the decomposition and oxidation mechanisms and the formation of undesired, harmful, or toxic emissions, with an emphasis on transportation fuels. New insights into the vastly diverse and complex chemical reaction networks of biofuel combustion are enabled by recent experimental investigations and complementary combustion modeling. Understanding key elements of this chemistry is an important step towards the intelligent selection of next‐generation alternative fuels.
Polymer‐supported palladium complexes with C,N‐ligands as efficient recoverable catalysts for the Heck reaction
Authors: Liu Yu‐xia , Ma Zhi‐wei , Jia Jun , Wang Chuan‐chuan , Huang Meng‐lin , Tao Jing‐chao
Published: May 2010

A series of new polymer‐supported palladium complexes with C,N‐ligands (1a–e and 2a–c) were easily synthesized. The synthesized catalysts could be applied as efficient heterogeneous catalysts for the Heck coupling reaction (turnover frequency up to 12 600 h−1). Additionally, the catalysts could be recovered by a simple filtration progress and could be reused for at least five times with a slow progressive decrease in activity. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of operating conditions on particle size in sonocrystallization
Authors: Oubani Hussein , Abbas Ali , Srour Mourtada , Romagnoli Jose A.
Published: May 2010

This work presents systematic investigations on sonocrystallization to elucidate the effects of key variables on sonocrystallization product properties. A novel continuous flow sonocrystallization apparatus was used to prepare NaCl microparticles from a NaCl–ethanol–water antisolvent system. By implementing a full factorial experimental design, we investigated the effects of ultrasonic power (75–225 W), antisolvent feed rate (0.5–6.5 l/h), system flow rate (2.8–4.1 l/min) and sonication time (5–30 min) on product crystal size. Data from these experiments were regressed to develop an empirical model that was found to be in agreement with experiments. The model identified the interaction between sonication power and system flow to be rather significant. Model simulations found that particle size decreases when antisolvent feed rate or ultrasonic power increases. This was found to be in contrast to increasing the system flow which resulted in larger particle sizes. The regression model was subsequently used to determine optimal operating conditions that minimize mean size, as smaller sizes are commonly required for pharmaceuticals such as for inhalation particles. These optimal values were found to be as follows: antisolvent flow rate = 6.5 l/h, power ultrasound = 225 W, system flow = 2.8 l/min and sampling time = 15 min. The optimal mean size predicted at these conditions was 28.6 ± 5.7 µm which is very close to the observed value of 27.6 µm. A high‐speed camera was used to visualize the ultrasonic irradiation in the sonoreactor and was crucial in explaining the significant interactive effect of sonication power and system flow on crystal size. Copyright © 2010 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of sodium chloride on the formation and stability of n‐dodecane nanoemulsions by the PIT method
Authors: Liew Jeffery Chin Long , Nguyen Q. Dzuy , Ngothai Yung
Published: May 2010

This paper provides a fundamental study of the effect of sodium chloride on the formation and stability of n‐dodecane/nonionic surfactant (Brij30)/NaCl nanoemulsions produced by the phase inversion temperature (PIT) method. Nanoemulsions are an emulsion system containing droplets from 20 to 200 nm and widely used in cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. The PIT method was chosen due to its low energy and surfactant usage to produce the nanoemulsions by heating and quenching an emulsion system. The changes of conductivity with temperatures were continuously monitored to determine phase inversion, and are found to be the same in low surfactant concentrations. PIT point was found to decrease with NaCl concentration especially from 5 to 7 wt% Brij30. At the storage temperature (20 °C), the initial droplet size decreases with NaCl concentration; however, the decrement only occurs from 4 to 7 wt% Brij30 while no nanoemulsions can be produced at 8 wt%. By adding salt, the surfactant concentration needed for the most stable nanoemulsions is reduced to 6 wt% from 7 wt%. Therefore, similar stable nanoemulsions can be produced with less surfactant in a brine system. Furthermore, most of the ageing brine‐continuous nanoemulsions could be reproduced to their freshly prepared state by heating process but not for the most stable nanoemulsions. Copyright © 2010 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation of bioadsorbents for effective adsorption of a reactive dye in aqueous solution
Authors: Ibrahim Shariff , Shuy Wan Zhi , Ang Ha‐Ming , Wang Shaobin
Published: May 2010

The surface of barley straw, an agricultural waste, was modified chemically using a cationic surfactant hexadecylpyridinium chloride monohydrate (CPC) and used as an adsorbent for removal of Reactive Blue 4 (RB4) from aqueous solution. The raw and surfactant‐modified barley straws (SMBS) were characterized by Fourier transform infrared and elemental analysis. The stability of CPC adsorbed on straw surface was evaluated by exposing to water and organic solvents. The adsorption was performed on removing RB4 from wastewater in a batch adsorption system. The effects of contact time, initial concentration of dye and pH of solution on RB4 uptake were investigated and discussed. It was found that the removal percentage of RB4 increased with the increase in contact time. Adsorption was favorable at acidic condition and the maximum removal of 100% was obtained at pH 3. Dye‐loaded SMBS was stable and percentage of desorption was less than 7% in water. The kinetic studies revealed that the kinetic data fitted well to the pseudo‐second‐order model. The isotherm study also indicated that RB4 adsorption on SMBS matched well with the Langmuir model other than the Freundlich model. The maximum adsorption capacity determined from the Langmuir isotherm was 29.2 mg g−1 at 25 °C. Copyright © 2010 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Silver‐Catalyzed Benzylation and Allylation of Tertiary Alkyl Bromides with Organozinc Reagents
Authors: Mitamura Yukihiro , Asada Yoshihiro , Murakami Kei , Someya Hidenori , Yorimitsu Hideki , Oshima Koichiro
Published: May 2010

Silver salts catalyze the benzylation and allylation of tertiary alkyl bromides with organozinc reagents. The reactions create quaternary carbon centers efficiently. Treatment of gem‐dibromoalkanes with benzylic or allylic zinc reagents under silver catalysis leads to dibenzylation or diallylation. The functional‐group compatibility of the present reactions is wider than that of the previous reactions with Grignard reagents.
Neueste Entwicklungen beim baulichen Brandschutz von Straßentunneln
Authors: Friebel Wolf‐Dieter , Blosfeld Jürgen , Kaundinya Ingo
Published: May 2010

In der jüngeren Vergangenheit hat sich gezeigt, dass Straßen tunnel durch größere Brände in erheblichem Umfang geschädigt werden können. In der Folge wurden verschiedene internationale Forschungsprojekte durchgeführt, um den baulichen Brandschutz von Straßentunneln weiterzuentwickeln. Aufbauend auf den internationalen Forschungsprojekten wurden vom BMVBS und der BASt drei nationale Forschungsprojekte zum baulichen Brandschutz von Straßentunneln initiiert. In diesen Projekten wurden vorhandene Temperatur‐Zeit‐Verläufe (sog. “Brandkurven”) für Straßentunnel, Brandver suche in Tunneln und reale Brände in Straßentunneln im Hinblick auf eine mögliche Anwendung zur Bemessung des baulichen Brandschutzes von Straßentunneln analysiert. Außerdem wurden die Temperatureindringung in die Tunnelinnenschale und die Tragfähigkeit von üblichen Tunnelquerschnitten infolge Brandeinwirkung numerisch ermittelt. Schließlich wurde anhand von Brandversuchen an großmaßstäblichen Probekörpern die Wirkung von PP‐Faserbeton auf das Abplatzverhalten von Innenschalenbeton untersucht. Über das Vorgehen und die Ergebnisse dieser Forschungsprojekte wird im Folgenden berichtet.

Latest developments for structural fire protection of road tunnels. In the recent past it was shown that road tunnels can be damaged severely by large fires. For that reason several international research projects were carried out for further development of structural fire protection of road tunnels. Based on international research projects three national research projects were initiated by the Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development (BMVBS) and the Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt). In the course of these projects existing temperature‐time‐progressions (so called ”fire curves”) for road tunnels, fire tests in tunnels and real fires in road tunnels were analyzed with regard to a possible application for the design of structural fire protection of road tunnels. Furthermore the temperature penetration in the tunnel lining and the load bearing capacity of usual tunnel sections were numerically examined under fire influence. Finally the influence of fiber‐modified concrete on the effect of explosive spalling was investigated by means of large scale fire tests on specimens made of concrete for tunnel lining. In the following procedures and results of the national research projects are described.
Bemessungsnomogramme für Stahlbetonkonsolen
Authors: Schwitzke Marko , Freyer Thomas , Semmler Christin
Published: May 2010

In diesem Beitrag werden Nomogramme für die Bemessung von Stahlbetonkonsolen vorgestellt. Basierend auf den entsprechenden Bemessungsmodellen kann für eine gegebene Stahlbetonkonsole und eine Beanspruchung die Bewehrungsmenge des Zuggurts bestimmt werden. In den Nomogrammen sind alle relevanten Anwendungsgrenzen eingearbeitet. Die Praxistauglichkeit der Nomogramme wird anhand eines Beispiels erläutert.

Support for the analysis by concrete brackets. In this contribution nomograms are introduced for the structural analysis of concrete brackets. Based on the appropriate design codes the reinforcement for the tension strut can be determined. In these nomograms all relevant limitations are incorporated. The application of the nomograms is shown using an example.
Validation of a differential in situ perfusion method with mesenteric blood sampling in rats for intestinal drug interaction profiling
Authors: Brouwers Joachim , Mols Raf , Annaert Pieter , Augustijns Patrick
Published: May 2010

The present study explored the feasibility of a differential setup for the in situ perfusion technique with mesenteric cannulation in rats to assess drug interactions at the level of intestinal absorption. In contrast to the classic, parallel in situ perfusion setup, the differential approach aims to identify intestinal drug interactions in individual animals by exposing the perfused segment to a sequence of multiple conditions. First, the setup was validated by assessing the interaction between the P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) inhibitor verapamil and the transport probes atenolol (paracellular transport), propranolol (transcellular) and talinolol (P‐gp mediated efflux). While transport of atenolol and propranolol remained constant for the total perfusion time (2 h), a verapamil‐induced increase in talinolol transport was observed within individual rats (between 3.2‐ and 5.2‐fold). In comparison with the parallel setup, the differential in situ perfusion approach enhances the power to detect drug interactions with compounds that exhibit strong subject‐dependent permeability. This was demonstrated by identifying an interaction between amprenavir and ketoconazole (P‐gp and CYP3A inhibitor) in five out of seven rats (permeability increase between 1.9‐ and 4.2‐fold), despite high inter‐individual differences in intrinsic permeability for amprenavir. In combination with an increased throughput (up to 300%) and a reduced animal use (up to 50%), the enhanced power of the differential approach improves the utility of the biorelevant in situ perfusion technique with mesenteric blood sampling to elucidate the intestinal interaction profile of drugs and drug candidates. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Purification and characterization of a superoxide dismutase from Panax ginseng
Authors: Li Hong Y. , Zhao Yu , Cao Yang , Wang Wei N. , Zhao Da Q.
Published: May 2010

A superoxide dismutase (SOD) with the molecular weight of 31,079 has been purified as a homodimer from Panax ginseng by employing neutral pH buffer extraction, ammonium sulfate precipitation, isoelectric point precipitation and ion exchange methods. The enzyme's specific activity determined by an improved Marklund method was 9480.43 U/mg. Metal analysis showed that the SOD contained iron with the stoichiometry of 0.9 ± 0.3 Fe/subunit and exhibited high thermal stability (70°C) over the pH range from 4.0 to 9.0. Its maximum absorption wavelength was 278 nm and it was sensitive to hydrogen peroxide, trichloromethane‐ethanol and urea. These results indicate that the enzyme is an iron SOD. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enantioseparation of rabeprazole and omeprazole by nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis with an ephedrine‐based ionic liquid as the chiral selector
Authors: Ma Zheng , Zhang Lijuan , Lin Lina , Ji Ping , Guo Xingjie
Published: May 2010

An ephedrine‐based chiral ionic liquid, (+)‐N,N‐dimethylephedrinium‐bis(trifluoromethanesulfon)imidate ([DMP]+[Tf2N]‐), served as both chiral selector and background electrolyte in nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis. The enantioseparation of rabeprazole and omeprazole was achieved in acetonitrile–methanol (60:40 v/v) containing 60 mm[DMP]+[Tf2N]‐. The influences of separation conditions, including the concentration of [DMP]+[Tf2N]‐, the electrophoretic media and the buffer, on enantioseparation were evaluated. The mechanism of enantioseparation was investigated and discussed. Ion‐pair interaction and hydrogen bonding may be responsible for the main separation mechanism. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Purification of resveratrol, arachidin‐1, and arachidin‐3 from hairy root cultures of peanut (Arachis hypogaea) and determination of their antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity
Authors: Abbott Julie A. , Medina‐Bolivar Fabricio , Martin Elizabeth M. , Engelberth Abigail S. , Villagarcia Hector , Clausen Edgar C. , Carrier Danielle J.
Published: May 2010

Antioxidant stilbenoids, such as resveratrol, arachidin‐1, and arachidin‐3, have demonstrated beneficial effects on human health. Although resveratrol is commercially available, arachidin‐1 and arachidin‐3 are not, resulting in an opportunity to explore purification methods and to confirm biological activity. Recently, Arachis hypogaea hairy root cultures (produced via Agrobacterium rhizogenes‐mediated transformation) were reported to secrete stilbenoids into liquid growth media upon elicitation in quantities sufficient for commercial production. The purpose of this study was to purify substantial quantities of resveratrol, arachidin‐1, and arachidin‐3 from A. hypogaea hairy root cultures using centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC), determine the antioxidant activity of these compounds using the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay, and determine the cytotoxicity of the compounds using the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. In a single run of CPC, resveratrol, arachidin‐1, and arachidin‐3 were separated to a purity of 97.1%, 97.0%, and 91.8%, respectively. Lipid oxidation was inhibited by a 27 and 7 μM dose for reference standards of resveratrol and arachidin‐1, respectively, while oxidation was not inhibited up to a 27 μM dose for reference standard of arachidin‐3. Oxidation was inhibited at a 14, 7, and 14 μM doses for CPC‐purified resveratrol, arachidin‐1, and arachidin‐3, respectively. Arachidin‐1 and arachidin‐3 demonstrated cytotoxicity at 27 and 55 μM in RAW 264.7 and HeLa cell lines, respectively; while resveratrol exhibited no cytotoxicity to either cell line. These results demonstrate the integration of a production and purification system for the manufacturing of A. hypogaea‐derived stilbenoids. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
Adsorption of Norfloxacin from Aqueous Solution onto Modified Coal Fly Ash
Authors: Zhang C. L. , Li B. Y. , Wang Y.
Published: May 2010

Batch adsorption experiments were carried out for the removal of norfloxacin from aqueous solution using modified coal fly ash as adsorbent. The effects of various parameters such as contact time, initial solution concentration and temperature on the adsorption system were investigated. The optimum contact time was found to be 100 min. The equilibrium experimental data can be well fitted by the Freundlich model. Thermodynamic parameters such as ΔG, ΔH and ΔS were also calculated. The negative Gibbs free energy change and enthalpy change indicated the spontaneous and exothermic nature of the adsorption, and the negative entropy change indicated that the adsorption process was aided by decreased randomness.