bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A segregated genetic programming for bioprocess modelling with outliers
Authors: Wu Yanling , Lu Jiangang , Sun Youxian
Published: December 2008

Genetic programming (GP) is often used to model a complex nonlinear system. Nevertheless, if the training data obtained from an industrial process are corrupted by large noise or outliers, the simple GP and GP based on least squares estimator usually cannot come up with an acceptable solution. To overcome this problem, a novel robust GP based on M‐estimator is proposed. Moreover, these cut‐off parameters of the estimator play a crucial role in degrading the effects of outliers. Usually an optimal value of the cut‐off parameter exists but withouta prioriknowledge of the training data, it is difficult to define it. So a segregated GP using two different cut‐off parameters is proposed to solve this problem. The novel feature of this approach is that the algorithm can perform multi‐directional search on the whole problem space for different cut‐off parameters, so that it can get mixed information from different directional searches and has more chance to find an acceptable solution. In addition, the proposed approach is less sensitive to the values of the cut‐off parameters and performs almost as good as a GP with an ideal cut‐off parameter. Copyright © 2008 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐Assembly of Photochromic Diarylethenes with Amphiphilic Side Chains: Core‐Chain Ratio Dependence on Supramolecular Structures
Authors: Hirose Takashi , Irie Masahiro , Matsuda Kenji
Published: December 2008

Photochromic diarylethene derivatives having different lengths and numbers of poly(ethylene glycol) side chains were synthesized and their photochromic property and self‐assembling behavior were investigated. The self‐assembling behavior of the derivatives strongly depends upon the ratio between the hydrophobic core and the amphiphilic side chain. According to UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy, CD spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering experiments, these derivatives showed different size distribution of the assembled structures and different solubility in water. The intensity of the induced CD signal, which was observed in the closed‐ring isomer, was the largest for the molecule having two hexaethylene glycol side chains. The relationship between the core‐chain ratio and regularity of the self‐assembled structure has been investigated.
New Wnt/β‐Catenin Signaling Inhibitors Isolated from Eleutherine palmifolia
Authors: Li Xiaofan , Ohtsuki Takashi , Koyano Takashi , Kowithayakorn Thaworn , Ishibashi Masami
Published: December 2008

Catenin tales: Fifteen naphthalene derivatives, including four new glucosides, eleutherinosides B–E, were obtained. Ten of these compounds inhibited transcription of TCF/β‐catenin in STF/293 cells. Compounds 2 and 9 inhibited the transcription of TCF/β‐catenin dose‐dependently and showed selective cytotoxicity against three colorectal cancer cell lines. The decrease of nuclear β‐catenin protein upon treatment of 9 resulted in its inhibitory effect in Wnt signaling.

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Aberrant Wnt/β‐catenin signaling has recently been implicated in tumorigenesis. On the basis of our screening program targeting inhibition of TCF/β‐catenin transcriptional activity, a plant extract of Eleutherine palmifolia was selected as a hit sample. Activity‐guided fractionations led to the isolation of 15 naphthalene derivatives (1–15), including 4 new glucosides, eleutherinosides B–E (1–4), and 10 of the 15 compounds showed strong activities with high viability among 293T cells. Our data showed that 2 and 9 inhibited the transcription of TCF/β‐catenin in SW480 colon cancer cells in a dose‐dependent manner. These two compounds also showed selective cytotoxicity against three colorectal cancer cell lines. In addition, treatment with 9 led to a significant decrease in the level of nuclear β‐catenin protein, suggesting this reduction to have resulted in the inhibitory effect of 9 on the transcription of TCF/β‐catenin.
A review of biogas purification processes
Authors: Abatzoglou Nicolas , Boivin Steve
Published: December 2008

Biogas is a valuable renewable energy carrier. It can be exploited directly as a fuel or as a raw material for the production of synthesis gas and/or hydrogen. Methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are the main constituents, but biogases also contain significant quantities of undesirable compounds (contaminants), such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S), ammonia (NH3) and siloxanes. The existence and quantities of these contaminants depend on the biogas source (i.e., landfills, anaerobic fermentation of manure). Their presence constitutes a major problem because (i) they can be detrimental to any biogas thermal or thermocatalytic conversion device (e.g., corrosion, erosion, fouling); and (ii) they generate harmful environmental emissions. It is therefore important to include biogas purification steps upstream of its final use processes. This review is aimed at presenting the scientific and technical state‐of‐theart in biogas purification processes. Both mature, already‐applied and promising, under‐development technologies are reported and described here. © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Renewable resources – green biorefinery: separation of valuable substances from fluid–fractions by means of membrane technology
Authors: Novalin Senad , Zweckmair Thomas
Published: December 2008

The aim of this study is to emphasize the potential of membrane technologies and the specific performance‐limiting borders of pressure‐driven (microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, reverse ssmosis) as well as electro‐membrane (electrodialysis, electrodialysis using bipolar membranes) techniques for the separation of valuable substances from silage press‐juice obtained in green biorefineries. Depending on the product, nanofiltration can be considered a partially fractionating technique with great future potential. Electrodialysis turns out to be a suitable separation technique for removing huge amounts of salt and isolating individual valuable substances. However, residual impurities must be taken into account for subsequent separation steps. In any case, further separation processes (e.g. chromatography) must be integrated in future green biorefinery production plants. © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Using Mixtures to Model Heterogeneity in Ecological Capture‐Recapture Studies
Authors: Pledger Shirley , Phillpot Polly
Published: December 2008

Modelling heterogeneity of capture is an important problem in estimating animal abundance from capturerecapture data, with underestimation of abundance occurring if different animals have intrinsically high or low capture probabilities. Mixture models are useful in many cases to model the heterogeneity. We summarise mixture model results for closed populations, using a skink data set for illustration. New mixture models for heterogeneous open populations are discussed, and a closed population model is shown to have new and potentially effective applications in community analysis. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Parametric Models for Estimating the Number of Classes
Authors: Bunge John , Barger Kathryn
Published: December 2008

We consider parametric distributions intended to model heterogeneity in population size estimation, especially parametric stochastic abundance models for species richness estimation. We briefly review (conditional) maximum likelihood estimation of the number of species, and summarize the results of fitting 7 candidate models to frequency‐count data, from a database of >40000 such instances, mostly arising from microbial ecology. We consider error estimation, goodness‐of‐fit assessment, data subsetting, and other practical matters. We find that, although the array of candidate models can be improved, finite mixtures of a small number of components (point masses or simple diffuse distributions) represent a promising direction. Finally we consider the connections between parametric models for abundance and incidence data, again noting the usefulness of finite mixture models. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Classification with High‐Dimensional Genetic Data: Assigning Patients and Genetic Features to Known Classes
Authors: Schwender Holger , Ickstadt Katja , Rahnenführer Jörg
Published: December 2008

A major task in the statistical analysis of genetic data such as gene expressions and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) is to predict whether a patient has a certain disease, or from which of several known subtypes of a disease a patient suffers. A large number of discrimination methods have been proposed in the literature and have been applied to genetic data to tackle this task. In this paper, we give an overview on the most popular of these procedures in the analysis of genetic data. Moreover, we describe how these methods for supervised classification can be combined with variable selection approaches to reduce the number of genetic features from several thousands to as few as possible to form a concise classification rule. Finally, we show how the resulting statistical models can be validated. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optical tweezers experiments resolve distinct modes of DNA‐protein binding
Authors: McCauley Micah J. , Williams Mark C.
Published: December 2008

Optical tweezers are ideally suited to perform force microscopy experiments that isolate a single biomolecule, which then provides multiple binding sites for ligands. The captured complex may be subjected to a spectrum of forces, inhibiting or facilitating ligand activity. In the following experiments, we utilize optical tweezers to characterize and quantify DNA binding of various ligands. High mobility group type B (HMGB) proteins, which bind to double‐stranded DNA, are shown to serve the dual purpose of stabilizing and enhancing the flexibility of double stranded DNA. Unusual intercalating ligands are observed to thread into and lengthen the double‐stranded structure. Proteins binding to both double‐ and single‐stranded DNA, such as the alpha polymerase subunit of E. coli Pol III, are characterized, and the subdomains containing the distinct sites responsible for binding are isolated. Finally, DNA binding of bacteriophage T4 and T7 single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA) binding proteins is measured for a range of salt concentrations, illustrating a binding model for proteins that slide along double‐stranded DNA, ultimately binding tightly to ssDNA. These recently developed methods quantify both the binding activity of the ligand as well as the mode of binding. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 91: 265–282, 2009.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Impact of postoperative complications on long-term outcome of curative resection for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chok K S , Ng K K , Poon R T , Lo C M , Fan S T
Published: December 2008

Background

The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the impact of postoperative complications on the long-term outcome of curative liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

A total of 863 patients who had curative resection of HCC from December 1989 to December 2004 were included in the analysis. Median follow-up was 35·6 months.

Results

Some 288 patients (33·4 per cent) developed postoperative complications. The hospital mortality rate was 5·3 per cent (46 patients). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that older age and massive intraoperative blood loss were related to a significantly higher complication rate. Demographics of patients with and without postoperative complications were comparable. The former had significantly more blood loss (median 1·1 versus 0·7 litres; P < 0·001) and required more transfused blood (P < 0·001). The overall survival rates of patients without complications at 1, 3, 5 and 10 years were 83·6, 62·8, 51·5 and 32·1 per cent respectively. Corresponding rates for those with complications were 67·8, 52·4, 41·5 and 26·6 per cent (P = 0·004). Cox proportional hazard model analysis revealed that the presence of postoperative complications was independently associated with poor overall survival.

Conclusion

Postoperative complications can affect overall long-term survival after resection of HCC.
Anorganische Chemilumineszenz. Traditionelle Experimente in neuem Licht
Authors: Albrecht Steffen , Brandl Herbert , Zimmermann Thomas
Published: December 2008

Gut sichtbare Chemilumineszenzexperimente aus der rein anorganischen Chemie sind vergleichsweise rar. Außer den oft und ausführlich beschriebenen Reaktionen des farblosen Phosphors dürften lediglich noch die chemilumineszenten Oxidationen von Wöhlerschem Siloxen und die Chemilumineszenzerscheinungen des Singulettsauerstoffs allgemein bekannt sein. Die hier beschriebenen anorganischen Chemilumineszenzexperimente greifen andere gut bekannte rein anorganische Reaktionen auf und demonstrieren deren sehr gute Sichtbarkeit auch als Vorlesungsversuch. Berücksichtigt werden dabei insbesondere Reaktionen der Halogene, der Erdalkalielemente, des Ammoniaks und des Mangans.
Der Claus‐Prozess. Reich an Jahren und bedeutender denn je
Authors: Schreiner Bernhard
Published: December 2008

Solange unsere Industriegesellschaft auf der Verwertung fossiler Energie‐ und Rohstoffressourcen basiert, bleibt die Entschwefelung im Rahmen der Verwertung von Erdöl, Erdgas und Kohle insbesondere unter Umweltgesichtspunkten von zentralem Interesse. Einen sehr wichtigen Beitrag hierzu leistet die Gewinnung von Schwefel aus H2S‐reichen Gasen. Diese erfolgt vornehmlich unter Anwendung des Claus‐Prozesses, dessen Bedeutung schon seit Jahrzehnten immer weiter zunimmt und der die Gewinnung von mineralischem Naturschwefel als Basis‐Chemikalie weitgehend verdrängt hat.
Die Neonicotinoide. Nicotin und die Neonicotinoide – Teil 2
Authors: Schäfer Bernd
Published: December 2008

Die cholinerge Synapse ist ein attraktives Angriffsziel einer Fülle hochselektiver Insektizide. Nicotin und die Neonicotinoide wirken an dem postsynaptischen nicotinergen Acetylcholin‐Rezeptor. Die Neonicotinoide sind nicht das Ergebnis einer stringenten Weiterentwicklung der Naturstoffe Nicotin und Epibatidin, sondern leiten sich von den synthetischen Nitro‐substituierten Ketenaminalen ab. Sie zählen heute zu den bedeutendsten Insektiziden auf dem Pflanzenschutzmarkt, für die eine Reihe eleganter Synthesen entwickelt wurden.
Schlumpfblaues Protein schützt Froschlaich
Authors: Groß Michael
Published: December 2008

Die malaysische Froschart Polypedates leucomystax schützt ihren Laich, indem das Weibchen eine proteinreiche Flüssigkeit abscheidet, welche das Männchen dann mit schnellen Bewegungen seiner Beine zu einem Schaum schlägt. Dieser Bioschaum ist mehrere Tage lang stabil und nimmt mit der Zeit eine im Tierreich seltene blaue Farbe an. Forscher in Schottland haben herausgefunden, dass diese Färbung auf ein ungewöhnliches Protein zurückgeht, welches sie nach den ähnlich gefärbten Schlümpfen und dem lateinischen Wort für Frosch “Ranasmurfin” genannt haben – übersetzt also “Ranaschlumpfin”.
Eine Substanz mit dreifacher Wirkung
Authors: Feil Sylvia
Published: December 2008

Es ist wie Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe: Tumorzellen werden daran gehindert, jenes Kontroll‐Protein abzubauen, dass die Zellteilung im Zaum hält und Tumorzellen in den Zelltod schickt. Argyrin A heißt der Wirkstoff, der den Abbau des Proteins p27 unterdrückt. Es gehört zu der neuen Gruppe von Wirkstoffen, die das Proteasom adressieren.
Remos Prognose
Authors: Siering Carsten , Waldvogel Siegfried R.
Published: December 2008

Wie wird sich das Klima in Deutschland bis zum Jahr 2100 verändern? Mit dieser Frage beschäftigte sich das Max‐Planck‐Institut für Meteorologie in Hamburg im Auftrag des Bundesumweltministeriums. Nun liegt eine umfangreiche Klimaprognose vor, die unter www.umweltbundesamt.de heruntergeladen werden kann.
Photoactive Branched and Linear Surface Architectures for Functional and Patterned Immobilization of Proteins and Cells onto Surfaces: A Comparative Study
Authors: Stegmaier Petra , del Campo Aránzazu
Published: December 2008

Molecular architecture affects the properties of surface layers. Photosensitive silanes with branched architectures allow patterning and coupling of proteins and cells on surfaces while maintaining their biofunctional state. Attachment can be directed to the activated regions of irradiated substrates with high selectivity (see image of mouse fibroblasts).

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Novel photosensitive silanes with a branched molecular architecture combining three end‐functionalized oligoethylene glycol (OEG) and alkyl arms are presented. These molecules are synthesized and applied to the modification of silica surfaces. The resulting layers are tested in their ability for the selective, patterned and functional immobilization of proteins and cells. The results demonstrate and accurately quantify the benefits of branched OEG structures against linear analogues for preventing non‐specific interactions with the biological material. Linear structures guarantee high selectivity for the attachment of proteins, however, they fail in the case of cells. Branched structures provide good antifouling properties in both cases and allow the formation of protein patterns with higher densities of the target protein, as well as cell patterns. The results demonstrate the careful balance between surface functionality, composition and architecture that is required for maximizing the performance of any surface‐based assay in biology.
Association of serum γ‐glutamyltransferase and alanine aminotransferase activities with risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus independent of fatty liver
Authors: Kim Chul‐Hee , Park Joong‐Yeol , Lee Ki‐Up , Kim Jin‐Ho , Kim Hong‐Kyu
Published: December 2008

Background

Although elevated serum concentrations of γ‐glutamyltrans‐ ferase (GGT) or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) have been associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus, it is unclear whether each is an independent predictor of type 2 diabetes or merely a surrogate marker for fatty liver or hepatic injury.

Methods

We assessed clinical and laboratory findings in 3556 non‐diabetic subjects (2217 men, 1339 women; age, 45.7 ± 8.1 (range 20–79) years) without fatty liver or clinically significant hepatic dysfunction who underwent voluntary medical check‐ups at a 5‐year interval.

Results

The odds ratio of developing type 2 diabetes increased significantly with increasing GGT and ALT levels at baseline. In multiple logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, alcohol consumption, smoking, body mass index (BMI), triglycerides, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL)‐cholesterol, fasting glucose, and ALT, the highest quartile of GGT remained significantly associated with type 2 diabetes. Compared with the first GGT quartile, the odds ratios of the second, third, and fourth GGT quartiles were 0.64 (95% CI, 0.25–1.65), 1.12 (0.45–2.78), and 3.07 (1.21–7.76), respectively. The adjusted odds ratios for the second, third, and fourth ALT quartiles in the same logistic regression model were 2.40 (0.83–6.94), 2.85 (1.03–7.90), and 4.31 (1.56–11.88), respectively. The risk of type 2 diabetes was additive with respect to GGT and ALT quartiles.

Conclusions

Increased serum GGT and ALT levels are independent, additive risk factors for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus in subjects without fatty liver or hepatic dysfunction. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of prepubertal gonadectomy on a male‐typical behavior and excitatory synaptic transmission in the amygdala
Authors: Cooke Bradley M. , Woolley Catherine S.
Published: December 2008

Mammalian puberty entails the emergence of behaviors such as courtship, coitus, and territorial aggressiveness. In adult rodents, the medial amygdala (MeA) is an important site for gonadal steroid hormone regulation of social behaviors and is sensitive to changes in the level of gonadal steroids. Here we show that prepubertal gonadectomy of male rats reduces the expression of a sexually dimorphic behavior, juvenile rough‐and‐tumble play, as well as the level of excitatory synaptic transmission assayed in adulthood. Behavioral observations in juveniles showed that gonadectomy reduced the initiation of playful attacks, particularly between postnatal days 31–35. Whole‐cell voltage clamp recordings made in slices from adults showed that gonadectomy also reduced the frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) in MeA neurons without affecting paired pulse facilitation, an index of vesicle release probability. As mEPSC frequency can reflect the number of excitatory synapses per neuron, we also compared the dendritic morphology of Lucifer Yellow filled neurons from intact and gonadectomized adults. This showed that gonadectomy significantly reduced the density of dendritic spines without affecting overall dendritic length or branching of MeA neurons, which is consistent with a gonadectomy‐induced reduction in the number of excitatory synapses. These findings suggest that peripubertal androgens activate rough‐and‐tumble play and promote the maintenance and/or development of new excitatory synapses in the MeA. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2009
Effect of Ti addition on magnetic properties of TbCu7‐type Sm‐Fe‐Co‐Mn system nitrides
Authors: Yamamoto Hiroshi , Osanai Kenta
Published: December 2008

To support the development of high‐performance isotropic bonded magnets, experiments were carried out to investigate the effect of Ti addition on the magnetic properties of Sm‐Fe‐Co‐Mn system nitride compounds with TbCu7‐type structure. Sm10(Fe0.9Co0.1)89.5−xMn0.5Tix (x=0 to 1.0) alloy ribbons were prepared by the single‐roller rapid‐quenching method. The effects of alloy composition and of heat treatment and nitriding conditions on the magnetic properties were examined. The optimum preparation conditions of the compounds were as follows. Composition: {Sm10(F0.9Co0.1)89Mn0.5Ti0.5}86.8N13.2; roller speed: 50 m/s; heat treatment: 700°C×60 min in high‐purity Ar gas; nitriding conditions: 420°C×15 h in high‐purity N2 gas. Typical magnetic properties of the obtained compound powders were Jr = 0.97 T, HcJ = 730.8 kA/m,(BH)max = 140.0 kJ/m3 (17.6 MGOe), Tc=500°C. XRD, TEM photographs, and recoil loops of the hysteresis curve demonstrated that this sample had the characteristics of an exchange spring magnet. The value of (BH)max for the isotropic compression molding bonded magnet prepared from the {Sm10(F0.9Co0.1)89Mn0.5Ti0.5}86.8N13.2 powder was 94.8 kJ/m3 (11.9 MGOe) at a bonded magnet density of 6.07 Mg/m3. The reversible temperature coefficient of Jr was α(Jr)=−0.04%/°C and the temperature coefficient of HcJ in the range from 25°C to 125°C obtained by linear extrapolation was α(HcJ)=−0.40%/°C. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 91(7): 25–31, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10124
Self‐excited hybrid‐field synchronous motors
Authors: Shinnaka Shinji
Published: December 2008

This paper proposes a new well‐organized dynamic mathematical model and new dynamic vector simulators for newly emerging self‐excited hybrid‐field synchronous motors (SelE‐HFSMs) that have rotor field by both permanent magnet and diode‐shorted field winding. The proposed new mathematical model has the following completeness and generality: (1) it consists of three consistent basic equations such as circuit, torque‐evolution, and energy‐transmission equations; (2) it deals with pole saliency and contains nonsaliency as a special case; (3) it is a dynamic model and contains a static one as a special case; and (4) it is established in the general reference frame including the stator and rotor reference frames as special cases. The proposed new dynamic vector simulators are established in the form of a vector block diagram based on the new model. They have the following attractive features: (1) they succeed in realizing clear configurations with physically meaningful vector signals, which clearly show motor electromagnetic mechanism; (2) vector signals utilized as transfer signals between blocks are defined in the general reference frame; consequently, the simulators in the frame can be directly and easily reduced to the ones in the stator and rotor reference frames; (3) they are compact, and can be easily programmed by commercially available standard simulation software. Two typical and compact but sufficiently general dynamic vector simulators are newly presented. Validity of the model is verified analytically, and validity of the simulators is confirmed by numerical experiments. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 91(8): 20–33, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10131
A design for robust power system stabilizer by means of H∞ control and particle swarm optimization method
Authors: Zoka Yoshifumi , Miyatani Hajime , Yorino Naoto
Published: December 2008

This paper proposes two types of PSS design methods that take into account robustness for comparably large power systems. The first one is a design method based on ∞ control theory and the second one is a parameter determination method for a standard PSS by using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). In order to deal with large‐scale systems, a reduced model is developed to get the target system which preserves major oscillation modes only. The major oscillation modes are selected by using the residue concept, and the PSS is designed based on the target system. In order to verify effectiveness, the proposed methods are compared with the other previously proposed method based on a Genetic Algorithm (GA) through many numerical simulations. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 91(8): 34–43, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10132
Analysis of magnetic bearing using inductive levitation by relative motion between magnet and conductor
Authors: Takanashi Takeshi , Matsuya Yuji , Ohtsuka Yusuke , Nishikawa Masahiro
Published: December 2008

In chemical plants, an anticorrosion magnetic drive pump is commonly used to deliver corrosive chemical liquids because of its high anticorrosion performance. However, when bubbles enter the chemical pump and accumulate between the shaft and the bearing, the shaft is often broken by thermal shock. The magnetic bearing which holds the rotor in noncontact has the advantage of avoiding thermal shock and keeping the rotor in a stable state by restoring force induced from the eddy current in the conductor. A model of magnetic bearing was analyzed using the three‐dimensional finite element method. In this model, a restoring force of 68.6 N and a braking torque of 8.7 N‐m were found. The locus of the rotation axis was also estimated using a radial load and a drag coefficient. The rotor may be located inside the movable range. ©2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 166(4): 80–87, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20652
Genetic, molecular and functional analyses of complement factor I deficiency
Authors: Nilsson Sara C. , Trouw Leendert A. , Renault Nicolas , Miteva Maria A. , Genel Ferah , Zelazko Marta , Marquart Hanne , Muller Klaus , Sjöholm Anders G. , Truedsson Lennart , Villoutreix Bruno O. , Blom Anna M.
Published: December 2008

Complete deficiency of complement inhibitor factor I (FI) results in secondary complement deficiency due to uncontrolled spontaneous alternative pathway activation leading to susceptibility to infections. Current genetic examination of two patients with near complete FI deficiency and three patients with no detectable serum FI and also close family members revealed homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations in several domains of FI. These mutations were introduced into recombinant FI and the resulting proteins were purified for functional studies, while transient transfection was used to analyze expression and secretion. The G170V mutation resulted in a protein that was not expressed, whereas the mutations Q232K, C237Y, S250L, I339M and H400L affected secretion. Furthermore, the C237Y and the S250L mutants did not degrade C4b and C3b as efficiently as the WT. The truncated Q336x mutant could be expressed, in vitro, but was not functional because it lacks the serine protease domain. Furthermore, this truncated FI was not detected in serum of the patient. Structural investigations using molecular modeling were performed to predict the potential impact the mutations have on FI structure. This is the first study that investigates, at the functional level, the consequences of molecular defects identified in patients with full FI deficiency.
Structure and Magnetic Properties of Iron(II/III) Complexes with N2O22– Coordinating Schiff Base Like Ligands
Authors: Weber Birgit , Jäger Ernst‐G.
Published: December 2008

An overview on the structure–reactivity relationship of iron(II/III) complexes with Schiff base like N2O2 coordinating ligands is given. The high flexibility of the ligands results in a wide range of possible applications from model complexes for the reaction with small biomolecules such as nitric oxide to molecular switching materials either as a result of the occurrence of the spin‐crossover phenomenon or the spontaneous long‐range magnetic ordering. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Hydroclimatic and channel snowpack controls over suspended sediment and grain size transport in a High Arctic catchment
Authors: McDonald Dana M. , Lamoureux Scott F.
Published: December 2008

Temporal variability in suspended sediment delivery processes was studied during three seasons in a 7·9 km2 catchment at Cape Bounty, Melville Island, Nunavut in the Canadian High Arctic. Discharge was controlled primarily by the magnitude of snowmelt, with limited inputs from ground ice melt and precipitation. Years with greater snowpack non‐linearly increased sediment yield and resulted in seasonal counter‐clockwise hysteresis, while a year with low snowpack resulted in reduced sediment yield and clockwise hysteresis, and indicates that sediment was increasingly available after the onset of streamflow. In addition to the event‐scale hysteresis observed during the nival discharge peak, diurnal clockwise hysteresis was observed during all three seasons and suggests daily exhaustion of sediment supplies. These results indicate that the channel snowpack plays a primary role over sediment accessibility during the nival discharge peak. Similarly, grain size analysis of suspended material in the river showed that the coarsest mean grain size was transported during the early phase of peak nival discharge and indicates that isolated sources of coarse material were being accessed by high velocity flow. Snowpack is present through the peak nival period and conditions sediment availability by isolating channel sediments from high‐energy flow. These results indicate sediment delivery characteristics in small High Arctic catchments reflect complex interactions with channel snowpack and disproportionate responses to flow conditions that differ from glacial and temperate settings. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Formation and characterization of microcapsules by complex coacervation with liquid or solid aroma cores
Authors: Leclercq Segolene , Harlander Kristin R. , Reineccius Gary A.
Published: December 2008

The process parameters typically reported in the literature for the encapsulation of aroma compounds via coacervation are reviewed and their effects on capsule formation discussed. We then report on our approach to produce coacervates [liquid (limonene or medium chain triglycerides) or solid core (menthol)] using gum acacia/gelatin as wall materials. Manufacturing parameters were optimized to allow the production of consistent batches of coacervate microcapsules. Capsules were cross‐linked with glutaraldehyde and freeze‐dried. Coacervates were characterized for their structure and shape, size distribution, flavour load and water uptake rate. In addition, a brief storage study compared the ability of coacervate capsules and spray‐dried capsules (using modified starch as carrier material) to protect limonene from oxidation. No detectable increase in limonene oxide could be detected in capsules made by coacervation over 25 days in storage at 45 °C, whereas a significant increase in limonene oxide was detected in spray‐dried powder over the same period. Encapsulation by coacervation (as described in this paper) appears to be an effective technique for encapsulating aroma compounds and provides a good barrier against oxidation of sensitive material. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the exit value of a forward contract
Authors: Power Gabriel J. , Turvey Calum G.
Published: December 2008

Default risk associated with forward contracts can be substantial, yet these financial instruments are widely used to hedge price risk. An objectively priced exit option on the forward contract would help reduce the likelihood of litigation associated with contract default. A method is proposed to compute the exit option's value for an arbitrary forward contract, using Black's (1976) model and option premium data. The time series dynamics of the exit option value are confirmed to be, like its underlying, well described by a martingale with heavy‐tailed (Student) GARCH residuals. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 29: 179–196, 2009
Do futures lead price discovery in electronic foreign exchange markets?
Authors: Cabrera Juan , Wang Tao , Yang Jian
Published: December 2008

Using intraday data, this study investigates the contribution to the price discovery of Euro and Japanese Yen exchange rates in three foreign exchange markets based on electronic trading systems: the CME GLOBEX regular futures, E‐mini futures, and the EBS interdealer spot market. Contrary to evidence in equity markets and more recent evidence in foreign exchange markets, the spot market is found to consistently lead the price discovery process for both currencies during the sample period. Furthermore, E‐mini futures do not contribute more to the price discovery than the electronically traded regular futures. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 29:137–156, 2009
Estimation of physical intensity models for default risk
Authors: Denault Michel , Gauthier Geneviève , Simonato Jean‐Guy
Published: December 2008

The estimation of physical intensity processes in the context of default risk is investigated here. Using data from Moody's Corporate Bond Default Database, a term structure of default probabilities for different rating classes is constructed each year from 1970 to 2001. Two specifications used for modeling the dynamics of the (risk‐neutral) intensity process in the bond‐pricing literature are then examined empirically: the Ornstein–Uhlenbeck and square‐root cases. The results reveal that the Ornstein–Uhlenbeck case is not an adequate modeling alternative with a rejection of this specification in five out of seven credit classes and nonsignificant mean reverting behavior for all credit classes. The square‐root case obtains better results with four credit classes out of seven for which this specification cannot be rejected and significant mean reversion parameters in many cases. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 29:95–113, 2009
A missense mutation in ABCB4 gene involved in progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 3 leads to a folding defect that can be rescued by low temperature #
Authors: Delaunay Jean-Louis , Durand-Schneider Anne-Marie , Delautier Danièle , Rada Alegna , Gautherot Julien , Jacquemin Emmanuel , Aït-Slimane Tounsia , Maurice Michèle
Published: December 2008

Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 3 (PFIC3) is a rare liver disease characterized by early onset of cholestasis that leads to cirrhosis and liver failure before adulthood. PFIC3 may be improved by chronic administration of ursodeoxycholic acid, although in many cases liver transplantation is the only therapy. The disease is caused by mutations of the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)–binding cassette, sub-family B, member 4 (ABCB4) [multidrug resistance 3 (MDR3)] gene encoding a specific hepatocellular canalicular transporter involved in biliary phosphatidylcholine secretion. Several mutations have been reported; however, the effect of individual mutations has not been investigated. ABCB4 is highly homologous to ATP-binding cassette, sub-family B, member 1 (ABCB1) (MDR1), the multidrug transporter responsible for drug resistance of cancer cells. We have studied the effect of mutation I541F localized to the first nucleotide-binding domain, which is highly conserved between ABCB4 and ABCB1. Plasmids encoding the wild-type human ABCB4 or rat ABCB1–green fluorescing protein (GFP) construct, and corresponding I541F-mutants, were expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma, human (HepG2) and Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. Expression studies showed that ABCB4 was localized at the bile canalicular membrane in HepG2 cells and at the apical surface in MDCK cells, whereas the I541F mutant was intracellular. In MDCK cells, ABCB1-I541F also accumulated intracellularly in compartments, which were identified as the endoplasmic reticulum and cis-Golgi, and remained partially endoH-sensitive. After shifting cells to 27°C, ABCB1-I541F was expressed at the apical cell surface in a mature and active form. Similarly, ABCB4 was significantly trafficked to the membrane of bile canaliculi in HepG2 cells.Conclusion: Mutation I541F causes mislocalization of both ABCB4 and ABCB1. Intracellular retention of ABCB4-I541F can explain the disease in PFIC3 patients bearing this mutation. The observation that plasma membrane expression and activity can be rescued by low temperature opens perspectives to develop novel therapies for the treatment of PFIC3. (Hepatology 2009.)
Cancer patterns in nasopharyngeal carcinoma multiplex families in Taiwan
Authors: Yu Kelly J. , Hsu Wan‐Lun , Chiang Chun‐Ju , Cheng Yu‐Juen , Pfeiffer Ruth M. , Diehl Scott R. , Goldstein Alisa M. , Gravitt Patti E. , Chen Chien‐Jen , Hildesheim Allan
Published: December 2008

Genetic and environmental factors have been implicated in the etiology of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), a tumor known to be closely associated with Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) infection. Studies have reported familial aggregation of NPC and have suggested the possible aggregation of NPC and other cancers. We evaluated familial aggregation of cancer in 358 high‐risk families with two or more NPC cases enrolled in a NPC genetics study in Taiwan. Participants were linked to the Taiwan National Cancer Registry to identify incident cancers diagnosed after study enrollment (started in 1996) and before December 31, 2005, or death. In total, 2,870 individuals from the NPC Multiplex Family Study contributed 15,151 person‐years over an average of 5.3 years of follow‐up. One hundred ten incident cancers were identified. Multiple‐primary standardized incidence ratios (MP‐SIRs) were computed to evaluate overall cancer risk associated with infectious agents and with other tumors. The overall MP‐SIR was 1.3 (95% CI: 1.1–1.6), which was largely explained by an excess in NPC (MP‐SIR = 15; 95% CI: 10–23). Exclusion of incident NPC diagnoses led to an overall MP‐SIR of 1.0 (95% CI: 0.83–1.3). Similarly, the observed excess risk of cancers associated with infectious agents (MP‐SIR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.5–2.6) was driven by the excess in NPC; exclusion of NPC cases led to a reduced MP‐SIR that did not differ from 1.0. Analysis of the largest NPC multiplex family study to date confirms the presence of coaggregation of NPC within families in Taiwan but does not provide evidence for a broader familial syndrome involving NPC and other tumors. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tetrandrine suppresses tumor growth and angiogenesis of gliomas in rats
Authors: Chen Yun , Chen Jin‐Cherng , Tseng Sheng‐Hong
Published: December 2008

Tetrandrine, a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid, has antitumor effects against some cancers, but its effects on gliomas are unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of tetrandrine on the growth and angiogenesis of rat RT‐2 gliomas. We treated RT‐2 glioma cells with tetrandrine and then measured cytotoxicity, apoptosis and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). We also examined the cytotoxic effect of tetrandrine on the ECV304 human umbilical vein endothelial cells and the effects of tetrandrine on the in vivo angiogenesis. Tumor size and animal survival were followed in tetrandrine‐treated rats with subcutaneous or intracerebral gliomas. Expression of CD31 in tetrandrine‐treated gliomas was followed to study its effect on glioma‐induced angiogenesis. Tetrandrine had cytotoxic effects and induced apoptosis of glioma cells in a concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner. Tetrandrine also inhibited the expression of VEGF in glioma cells, induced cytotoxicity effect on the ECV304 cells and suppressed the in vivo angiogenesis. Tetrandrine (150 mg/kg/day) had significant antitumor effects on subcutaneous tumors and led to slower tumor growth rate, longer animal survival time and higher animal survival (p < 0.05). Tetrandrine also affected intracerebral tumors and prolonged animal survival (p < 0.05) without affecting survival rate. Immunohistochemical analyses showed that the subcutaneous gliomas from tetrandrine‐treated rats had fewer microvessel densities than control rats (p = 0.01). The results demonstrate that tetrandrine is cytotoxic to RT‐2 glioma cells, has antitumor effects on subcutaneous and intracerebral gliomas, and inhibits angiogenesis in subcutaneous gliomas. Tetrandrine has potential as a treatment for gliomas. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization and cytocompatibility of nano‐hydroxyapatite/chitosan bone cement with the addition of calcium salts
Authors: Zou Qin , Li Yubao , Zhang Li , Zuo Yi , Li Junfeng , Li Xiaoyu
Published: December 2008

In the present study, a calcium carbonate and calcium oxide loaded nano‐hydroxyapatite/chitosan bone cement was developed and its in vitro cell responses were investigated. The physico‐chemical properties were represented in terms of setting time, compressive strength, and wettability. The results show that the setting time is about 15 min, the compressive strength is up to 17.80 ± 0.45 MPa throughout the immersion period, and the static contact angle of the cement against water is 33.5° ± 2.7°, indicating that the cement has good setting time, compressive strength, and wettability. Cytocompatibility test using human MG63 cells reveals a favorable cell viability and increased proliferation over a period of 11 days in culture. The composition and hydrophilic nature of the cement provide a friendly environment for the attachment and growth of cells. The novel composite bone cement could be useful in moderate stress‐bearing applications of bone repair. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Morphology and estrogen receptor α mRNA expression in the developing green anole forebrain
Authors: Beck Laurel Amanda , Wade Juli
Published: December 2008

Sex differences in forebrain morphology arise during development and are often linked to hormonal changes. These dimorphisms frequently occur in regions related to reproductive behaviors. Little is known about the normal ontogeny of reproductive nuclei in the green anole lizard, including whether steroid hormones influence their development. To address this issue, brain region volume, cell density, soma size, and estrogen receptor α (ERα) mRNA expression were characterized in the preoptic area (POA), ventromedial amygdala (AMY), and ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) of late embryonic and early post‐hatchling anoles. In adulthood, the POA and AMY are associated with male‐specific reproductive behaviors and the VMH is implicated in female receptivity. Although soma size decreased in all brain regions with age, brain region volume diminished only in the POA, with a transient sex difference appearing before hatching. Cell density increased with age only in the female AMY. ERα mRNA expression was up to four times greater in the developing VMH than POA and AMY, peaking in the VMH around the day of hatching. These results are consistent with the idea that estradiol may influence differentiation of the VMH in particular. However, other factors are likely important to the development of these three brain regions, some of which exert their effects at later developmental stages. J. Exp. Zool. 311A:162–171, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Incorporating context in linking crimes: an exploratory study of situational similarity and if‐then contingencies
Authors: Woodhams Jessica , Hollin Clive , Bull Ray
Published: December 2008

Personality psychologists have suggested that the context of a behaviour should be considered in studying behavioural consistency. They have operationalised this as studying ‘if (situation)–then (behaviour)’ contingencies and have demonstrated an association between situational similarity and behavioural consistency. Previous research of behavioural consistency in the forensic setting has tended to focus exclusively on the ‘then (behaviour)’ part of the contingency—the offender's behaviour. This paper considers methodological approaches that might be used to investigate whether situational similarity is associated with behavioural consistency, and to develop if–then contingencies. Seventy‐eight offences by stranger sex offenders were subjected to constant comparison framework analysis to develop an offender behaviour checklist and a victim behaviour checklist, and a combination of constant comparison framework analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis were used to develop victim behavioural themes. Consistency in offender behaviour and similarity in victim behavioural themes (representing situational similarity) were measured using Jaccard's coefficient for offence pairs within 13 solved series of stranger sexual assaults. Correlational analyses were used to assess the relationship between situational similarity and behavioural consistency. Contrary to expectations, no relationship was found. The utility of linguistic computational programs in creating if(victim behaviour)–then(offender behaviour) contingencies was tested with encouraging results. However, little evidence of consistency in if(victim behaviour)–then(offender behaviour) contingencies was found within the offence series. Explanations are proposed for these novel findings and avenues for future research are suggested. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reinterpreting Rotherslade, Gower Peninsula: implications for Last Glacial ice limits and Quaternary stratigraphy of the British Isles
Authors: Hiemstra John F. , Rijsdijk Kenneth F. , Shakesby Richard A. , McCarroll Danny
Published: December 2008

Rotherslade on the Gower Peninsula in south Wales has been viewed as a key site for the reconstruction of Quaternary depositional environments in the British Isles. Since the early 20th century, and certainly since the 1980s, the accepted view has been that Rotherslade is the most westerly location on the south Gower coast where there is in situ basal till exposed and that, logically, this location marks the position of the LGM ice limit. However, reinvestigation of the sediments and their architecture, and analysis of clast fabrics and thin sections of critical sedimentary units, show that none of the exposed sediments has properties diagnostic of subglacial deposition or deformation. We postulate here that LGM ice terminated at the western side of Swansea Bay, a few kilometres to the north‐east of Rotherslade, and propose that the sedimentary sequence comprises Early to Middle Devensian periglacial sediments, overlain by a complex of Late Devensian, ice‐proximal outwash fan deposits, an assemblage of paraglacial debris and, finally, periglacial mass movement deposits. The proposed repositioning of the Late Devensian ice limit and the associated new subaerial interpretation of the sediments suggest that a reassessment of sedimentary sequences (Hunts Bay, Western Slade) and landforms (Paviland Moraine) farther west on Gower, which have attained similar stratigraphical status, is now warranted. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.