bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gramian‐based model order reduction of parameterized time‐delay systems
Authors: Wang Xiang , Zhang Zheng , Wang Qing , Wong Ngai 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACTTime‐delay systems (TDSs) frequently arise in circuit simulation especially in high‐frequency applications. Model order reduction (MOR) techniques can be used to facilitate the simulation of TDSs. On the other hand, many kinds of variations, such as temperature and geometric uncertainties, can have significant impact on the transient responses of TDSs. Therefore, it is important to preserve parametric dependence during the MOR procedure. This paper presents a new parameterized MOR scheme for TDSs with parameter variations. We derive parameterized reduced‐order models (ROMs) for TDSs using balanced truncation by approximating the Gramians in the multi‐dimensional space of parameters. The resulting ROMs can preserve the parametric dependence, making it efficient for repeated simulations under different parameter settings. Numerical examples are presented to verify the accuracy and efficiency of our proposed algorithm. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A radio frequency identification application for car theft prevention in parking lot management systems
Authors: Chen Chin‐Ling , Chong Mei‐Li 
Published: December 2012

SUMMARYCurrently, there are many parking lot management systems in use; however, most of them are unsuited to the problem of car theft. For example, a thief can drive a jalopy into a parking lot, and because the gate does not have any mechanism to detect whether the driver is the owner of the car, the gate will be open according merely to whether the driver pays the parking fee. A thief can drive away with a luxurious car away using his own parking ticket. We propose a new scheme to prevent the car theft. We adopt radio frequency identification technology conforming to EPCglobal Class 1 Generation 2 to our scheme design. Our scheme supplies an easy, cheap and high security parking environment for customers and the parking management system. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An energy‐saving‐centric downlink scheduling scheme for WiMAX networks
Authors: Ke Shaoh‐Chen , Chen Yen‐Wen , Fang Hao‐An 
Published: December 2012

SUMMARYThis study proposes an energy‐saving‐centric downlink scheduling scheme to support efficient power utilization and to satisfy the QoS requirements. The base station considers the queue lengths of mobile stations with real‐time and non‐real‐time connections and considers their QoS requirements to determine the sleeping parameters when the mobile stations issue sleep requests. The proposed scheme appropriately reschedules the sleep‐requesting mobile station to transmit its queued packets for optimal power‐saving efficiency. The QoS requirement is considered as the constraint during traffic rescheduling. The treatment of real‐time connections generally requires a trade‐off of the delay requirement and the longer sleep window, and the non‐real‐time connections must concern the packet drop and minimum data rates when performing the energy‐centric scheduling. Two rescheduling algorithms, that is, whole and partial reschedules, are proposed and analyzed in this paper. The whole‐reschedule scheme provides improved energy‐saving performance at the cost of tolerable longer delay and computing complexity when compared with the partial‐reschedule scheme. Our simulation results indicated that both schemes not only guarantee the desired QoS but also achieve superior energy‐saving efficiency to that of traditional scheduling. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A hybrid localization and tracking system in camera sensor networks
Authors: Gao Deyun , Zhu Wanting , Xu Xiaoyu , Chao Han‐Chieh 
Published: December 2012

SUMMARYPosition information is of vital importance in the various applications in energy‐constrained wireless sensor networks. It has to design a localization mechanism considering both precision and energy consumption factors. In this paper, we propose a hybrid localization system in wireless sensor networks, which is composed of coarse‐grained localization system and fine‐grained localization system. The coarse‐grained localization system takes the wireless signal strength as the reference for distance and gets the rough region as the unknown node. The fine‐grained localization system is in charge of location refinement that takes image to localize the unknown node with camera sensor nodes. On the basis of the hybrid localization system, we furthermore design a hybrid tracking system for localizing a moving object. Finally, we build up a test bed to conduct experiments with our developed sensor network. The experiment results show that the proposed hybrid localization and tracking system can achieve high position precision and low energy consumption. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impaired transport of mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) and the metabolic memory phenomenon associated with the progression of diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Santos Julia M. , Kowluru Renu A. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundDiabetes damages retinal mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and compromises the mtDNA transcription. In the transcription and replication of mtDNA, nuclear‐encoded mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) is considered a key activator. We have shown that in diabetes, although retinal TFAM gene expression is increased, its mitochondrial levels are decreased. This study investigates the role of mitochondrial outer and inner membrane transport systems in the transfer of TFAM into the mitochondria in diabetes and how reversal of hyperglycaemia affects the ability of TFAM to reach the mitochondria.MethodsComponents of the membrane transport system, Tom70, Tom40, Tim23, and Tim44, were analysed in the retina from streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats maintained in poor control or in good control for 8 months, or in poor control for 4 months followed by in good control for 4 months. The binding of TFAM with Tom70 and Tim44 was determined by co‐immunoprecipitation and that with mtDNA by chromatin immunoprecipitation.ResultsRetinal expressions of Tom70, Tom40, and Tim44 were significantly decreased in diabetes, and the binding of TFAM with Tom70, Tim44, and mtDNA was impaired. Reversal of hyperglycaemia had no beneficial effect on the decreased binding of TFAM to Tom proteins and mtDNA.ConclusionsThus, subnormal membrane transport to systems in diabetes impair the transfer of TFAM into the mitochondria, and decreased TFAM–mtDNA binding that results in subnormal mitochondria transcription. These processes continue to be dysfunctional even after the hyperglycaemic insult is terminated. Strategies targeting mitochondrial membrane transport proteins could have the potential of improving mitochondrial biogenesis and slowing or halting the progression of diabetic retinopathy. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
γδ T‐cell conference 2012: Close encounters for the fifth time
Authors: Silva‐Santos Bruno , Schamel Wolfgang W. A. , Fisch Paul , Eberl Matthias 
Published: December 2012

SummaryThe fifth international γδ T‐cell conference was held in Freiburg, Germany, from May 31 to June 2, 2012, bringing together approximately 170 investigators from all over the world. The scientific program covered topics such as thymic development and the mechanisms of ligand recognition and activation, the interaction of γδ T cells with other immune and non‐immune cells and its implications for homeostasis, infection, tissue repair and autoimmunity, and the role of γδ T cells in malignancy and their potential for novel immunotherapies. Here we discuss a selection of the oral communications at the conference, and summarise exciting new findings in the field regarding the development, mode of antigen recognition, and responses to microorganisms, viruses and tumours by human and mouse γδ T cells.
Selective Synthesis of Vanadium Oxides and Investigation of the Thermochromic Properties of VO2 by Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Li Ming , Li Deng‐Bing , Pan Jing , Lin Jian‐Chao , Li Guang‐Hai 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThis paper reports a facile and low‐cost routine for the selective synthesis of vanadium oxides by hydrothermal treatment of V2O5 sol. Our experiments found a defined phase evolution sequence [V2O5 → V3O7·H2O → VO2 (B) → VO2 (A) → VO2 (M)] that is strongly dependent on the hydrothermal temperature, pressure, and reaction time. A mechanism for the formation of the vanadium oxides based on the oriented attachment (OA) growth model is proposed and discussed. The VO2 (A + M) phase and the pure VO2 (M) phase each show an abrupt change in infrared transmittance with temperature, which demonstrates their potential for applications in the field of energy conservation, and the modulation in the infrared properties of the VO2 (M) phase, thanks to its high purity, is far more prominent than that of the mixture phase VO2 (A + M).
Post‐Cycloaddition–Retroelectrocyclization Transformations of Polycyanobutadienes
Authors: Lacy Adam R. , Vogt Anna , Boudon Corinne , Gisselbrecht Jean‐Paul , Schweizer W. Bernd , Diederich François 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe thermal [2+2] cycloaddition–retroelectrocyclization (CA‐RE) reaction between a range of alkynes, activated by electron‐donating anilino (p‐H2NC6H4‐) substituents, and the electron‐deficient olefins tetracyanoethene (TCNE) and 7,7,8,8‐tetracyano‐p‐quinodimethane (TCNQ) delivered anilino‐substituted polycyanobutadienes (PCBDs). The aniline NH2 groups provide a convenient handle for further transformations, yielding a new series of PCBDs without an electron‐donating group. Electrochemical investigations by rotating disk voltammetry and cyclic voltammetry revealed large anodic shifts in both the first and second reduction potentials as a result of the removal of the electron‐donating functionality. This methodology allows for PCBD‐containing substrates to be further elaborated, generating a new family of chromophores previously inaccessible by alternative synthetic methods.
Social categorization and group‐motivated interindividual–intergroup discontinuity
Authors: Böhm Robert , Rothermund Klaus , Kirchkamp Oliver 
Published: December 2012

AbstractResearch on the interindividual–intergroup discontinuity effect has demonstrated that intergroup relations are often less cooperative than interindividual relations. The aim of the present paper is to test whether mere social categorization suffices to create a group‐motivated discontinuity effect. In two experiments, we manipulated actors' personal versus social identity salience, whereas controlling for actors' outcome independence (1 : 1) versus interdependence (3 : 3). Making actors' social identity salient using a minimal group treatment was sufficient to increase defection in a Prisoner's Dilemma Game, irrespective of whether this was in an interindividual or intergroup interaction (Experiment 1). Using a Mutual Fate Control matrix in Experiment 2, results indicate that this effect can be attributed to actors' increased motivation to maximize relative differences to outgroup opponents under social identity salience. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Potentiometric Cholesterol Biosensor Based on ZnO Nanowalls and Stabilized Polymerized Lipid Film
Authors: Psychoyios Vasillios N. , Nikoleli Georgia‐Paraskevi , Tzamtzis Nikolaos , Nikolelis Dimitrios P. , Psaroudakis Nikolas , Danielsson Bengt , Israr Muhammad Qadir , Willander Magnus 
Published: December 2012

AbstractA novel potentiometric cholesterol biosensor was fabricated by immobilization of cholesterol oxidase into stabilized lipid films using zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowalls as measuring electrode. Cholesterol oxidase was incorporated into the lipid film prior polymerization on the surface of ZnO nanowalls resulting in a sensitive, selective, stable and reproducible cholesterol biosensor. The potentiometric response was 57 mV/ decade concentration. The sensor response had no interferences by normal concentrations of ascorbic acid, glucose, and urea, proteins and lipids. The present biosensor could be implanted in the human body because of the biocompatibility of the lipid film.
Comparison of Aniline Degradation by Fenton and Electro‐Fenton Reactors Using Plate and Rod Electrodes
Authors: Su Chia‐Chi , Pagaling Eric D. , Peralta Genandrialine L. , Lu Ming‐Chun 
Published: December 2012

Aniline degradation was investigated using the conventional Fenton process and an electro‐Fenton (EF) process with plate and rod electrode EF reactors. The performance of the two EF reactors was evaluated by determining the effect of important parameters (Fe2+, H2O2, and aniline concentrations) on the aniline removal efficiency and the initial aniline degradation rate. The change in the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) and ratio BOD5/COD of a high concentration of aniline were also studied.Experimental results reveal that compared with conventional Fenton process, aniline degradation and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal in the EF process increased 43% and 10%, respectively. In the two EF reactors, the aniline was completely degraded (100%) when the ratio of [H2O2]:[Fe2+]:[aniline] was 5.8:0.1:1. Within the range of Fenton's reagent used in the two reactors, controlling the H2O2 concentration was the key point of promoting the aniline oxidation. The plate electrode system had a higher efficiency than rod electrode system in terms of H2O2 efficiency, due to the reactor design of decreasing the electrical resistance. Treatment with a high concentration aniline increased biodegradability (BOD5 and ratio BOD5/COD) of pollutant when plate and rod electrode EF reactors were used. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 32: 1111–1117, 2013
Achievable rates for discrete memoryless relay channels with generalised feedback
Authors: Jiang Jinhua , Xin Yan , Vincent Poor H. 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACTThis paper considers three‐node discrete memoryless relay channels with generalised feedback. In particular, two generalised feedback configurations are investigated. In the first configuration, the source is assumed to be able to actively collect feedback signals from the channel, whereas in the second one, the destination is assumed to be able to actively transmit feedback signals to the relay. For both configurations, new coding schemes that are based on the notions of decode and forward and compress and forward are developed to exploit the feedback, and corresponding achievable rates are derived. For the first configuration, the proposed coding schemes exploit the feedback by allowing the source to cooperate with the relay in the process of forwarding the compressed version of the channel output sequence at the relay to the destination. For the second configuration, the proposed coding schemes allow the destination to perform compress and forward to enhance the decoding power at the relay which applies partial decode and forward, thereby improving the overall transmission rate. The derived achievable rates are also shown to generalise several existing results for corresponding settings with perfect feedback as special cases. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Public relations—accidents: What gas companies can learn from “smart meter” missteps
Authors: Egan John 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThirty miles north of Denver, in an upscale suburban community, one possible future for the gas industry is taking shape. This future is marked by consumers' distrust—of advanced energy technology and their energy company—as well as fear, anger, and activism. High hopes have given way to recrimination, litigation, and potential expropriation. As 2013 begins, what is taking place in this Denver suburb raises vexing national questions about whether, and under what circumstances, US consumers and businesses will be able to benefit from advanced energy technology.
Apolipoprotein E gene, environmental risk factors, and their interactions in dementia among seniors
Authors: Meng Xiangfei , D'Arcy Carl 
Published: December 2012

ObjectivesLittle research has been conducted to explore the joint effect of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genotypes and environmental risk factors on dementia. In this study, we examined the roles of ApoE alleles and genotypes in dementia and cognitively impaired not demented (CIND), assessed the risk of co‐existing or prior health conditions (i.e. depression), family history of diseases, and lifestyle factors on dementia, and explored the interactions between genetic and environmental risk factors and their joint effects on dementia and cognitive impairment.MethodsThis is a genetic association study. A total of 1185 seniors (391 dementia, 389 CIND, and 405 cognitively intact, matched for age and gender) were selected from the Canadian Study of Health and Aging clinical assessment datasets. Multivariate logistic regression was used to explore the association between ApoE, environment risk factors, and outcomes.ResultsParticipants with ApoE ε4 alleles or ε3/ε4 genotypes were at risk of dementia. More education reduced the risk of dementia or CIND. Previous health conditions (e.g. stroke) increased the risk of dementia or CIND. Regular exercise decreased the risk of CIND. ApoE ε3/ε4 genotype and baseline depression had a 7.97‐fold greater risk of incident dementia after adjusting for other significant risk factors. No interactions were found in any dementia and CIND models.ConclusionsMore attention should be paid to assess and treat depressed older people, especially for those with ApoE ε3/ε4 genotypes. Further replication studies in different populations are warranted. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluating the sensitivity of wetlands to climate change with remote sensing techniques
Authors: Ouyang Zutao , Becker Richard , Shaver Wade , Chen Jiquan 
Published: December 2012

AbstractWetlands are valuable ecosystems that provide many valuable services, yet many of these important ecosystems are at risk because of current trends in climate change. The Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) in the upper‐midwest of the United States and south‐central Canada, characterized by glacially sculpted landscapes and abundant wetlands, is one such vulnerable region. According to regional/global climate model predictions, drought occurrence will increase in the PPR region through the 21st century and thus will probably cause the amount of water in wetlands to decline. Water surface area (WSA) of Kidder County, ND, from 1984–2011 was measured by classifying TM/ETM+(Landsat Thematic Mapper / Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus) images through the modified normalized difference water index. We then developed a linear model based on the WSA of these wetlands and historical climate data and used this to determine the wetland sensitivity to climate change and predict future wetlands WSA in the PPR. Our model based on Palmer drought severity index (PDSI) of the current year (PDSIt − 0) and of the previous two years (PDSIt − 2) can explain 79% of the annual wetland WSA variance, suggesting a high sensitivity of wetlands to drought/climate change. We also predicted the PPR wetlands WSA in the 21st century under A1B scenario (a mid‐carbon emission scenario) using simulated PDSI based on Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change AR4 22‐model ensemble climate. According to our prediction, the WSA of the PPR wetlands will decrease to less than half of the baseline WSA (defined as the mean wetlands WSA of the 2000s) by the mid of the 21st century, and to less than one‐third by the 2080s, and will then slightly increase in the 2090s. This considerable future wetland loss caused only by climate change provides important implication to future wetland management and climate adaptation policy. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Peripheral hyperpolarization‐activated cyclic nucleotide‐gated channels contribute to inflammation‐induced hypersensitivity of the rat temporomandibular joint
Authors: Hatch R.J. , Jennings E.A. , Ivanusic J.J. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundHyperpolarization‐activated cyclic nucleotide‐gated (HCN) channels conduct an inward cation current (Ih) that contributes to the maintenance of neuronal membrane potential and have been implicated in a number of animal models of neuropathic and inflammatory pain. In the current study, we investigated HCN channel involvement in inflammatory pain of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).MethodsThe contribution of HCN channels to inflammation (complete Freund's adjuvant; CFA)‐induced mechanical hypersensitivity of the rat TMJ was tested with injections of the HCN channel blocker ZD7288. Retrograde labelling and immunohistochemistry was used to explore HCN channel expression in sensory neurons that innervate the TMJ.ResultsInjection of CFA into the TMJ (n = 7) resulted in a significantly increased mechanical sensitivity relative to vehicle injection (n = 7) (p < 0.05). The mechanical hypersensitivity generated by CFA injection was blocked by co‐injection of ZD7288 with the CFA (n = 7). Retrograde labelling and immunohistochemistry experiments revealed expression predominantly of HCN1 and HCN2 channel subunits in trigeminal ganglion neurons that innervate the TMJ (n = 3). No change in the proportion or intensity of HCN channel expression was found in inflamed (n = 6) versus control (n = 5) animals at the time point tested.ConclusionsOur findings suggest a role for peripheral HCN channels in inflammation‐induced pain of the TMJ. Peripheral application of a HCN channel blocker could provide therapeutic benefit for inflammatory TMJ pain and avoid side effects associated with activation of HCN channels in the central nervous system.
Angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) localization and antagonist‐mediated inhibition of capsaicin responses and neurite outgrowth in human and rat sensory neurons
Authors: Anand U. , Facer P. , Yiangou Y. , Sinisi M. , Fox M. , McCarthy T. , Bountra C. , Korchev Y.E. , Anand P. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe angiotensin II (AngII) receptor subtype 2 (AT2R) is expressed in sensory neurons and may play a role in nociception and neuronal regeneration.MethodsWe used immunostaining with characterized antibodies to study the localization of AT2R in cultured human and rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and a range of human tissues. The effects of AngII and AT2R antagonist EMA401 on capsaicin responses in cultured human and rat (DRG) neurons were measured with calcium imaging, on neurite length and density with Gap43 immunostaining, and on cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) expression using immunofluorescence.ResultsAT2R expression was localized in small‐/medium‐sized cultured neurons of human and rat DRG. Treatment with the AT2R antagonist EMA401 resulted in dose‐related functional inhibition of capsaicin responses (IC50 = 10 nmol/L), which was reversed by 8‐bromo‐cAMP, and reduced neurite length and density; AngII treatment significantly enhanced capsaicin responses, cAMP levels and neurite outgrowth. The AT1R antagonist losartan had no effect on capsaicin responses. AT2R was localized in sensory neurons of human DRG, and nerve fibres in peripheral nerves, skin, urinary bladder and bowel. A majority sub‐population (60%) of small‐/medium‐diameter neuronal cells were immunopositive in both control post‐mortem and avulsion‐injured human DRG; some very small neurons appeared to be intensely immunoreactive, with TRPV1 co‐localization. While AT2R levels were reduced in human limb peripheral nerve segments proximal to injury, they were preserved in painful neuromas.ConclusionsAT2R antagonists could be particularly useful in the treatment of chronic pain and hypersensitivity associated with abnormal nerve sprouting.