bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Several New Phases in RE–Mg–Ge Systems (RE = Rare Earth Metal) – Syntheses, Structures, and Chemical Bonding
Authors: Suen Nian‐Tzu , Bobev Svilen 
Published: August 2012

AbstractReported are the synthesis and structural characterization of Ce5Mg8Ge8 (its own structure type), CeMg2–xGe2+x (BaAl4‐type structure), RE4Mg7Ge6 (RE = Ce–Nd, Sm; La4Mg7Ge6‐type structure), and RE4Mg5Ge6 (RE = Ce, Pr; Tm4Zn5Ge6‐type structure). The structures of these compounds have been established by single‐crystal and powder X‐ray diffraction. These compounds are closely related to each other not only in their chemical compositions but also in their structures. A common structural feature of all are MgGe4 tetrahedra, which are connected by corner‐ and/or edge‐sharing into complex polyanionic frameworks with the rare‐earth metal atoms filling the “empty” space. The structures are compared to known types of structures, and we have investigated the chemical bonding in Ce5Mg8Ge8 with electronic structure calculations, which were carried out by the tight‐bonding linear muffin‐tin orbital (TB–LMTO) method.
Layer by Layer Electrode Surface Functionalisation Using Carbon Nanotubes, Electrochemical Grafting of Azide‐Alkyne Functions and Click Chemistry
Authors: Coates Megan , Griveau Sophie , Bedioui Fethi , Nyokong Tebello 
Published: August 2012

AbstractFerrocene was covalently bonded to a layer of adsorbed single‐walled carbon nanotubes on a glassy carbon electrode surface using electrochemical grafting and click chemistry. Grafting of the 4‐azidobenzenediazonium salt onto the surface was accomplished by electrochemical reduction. The surface‐bound azide groups, with the use of a copper(I) catalyst, were reacted with ethynylferrocene to form covalent 1,2,3‐triazole bonds by click chemistry. This layer by layer construction of the electrode surface results in stable electrodes by combining good electrical conductivity and increased surface area of the nanotubes with the versatility of the Sharpless click reaction.
A Simple Strategy to Improve the Accuracy of the Injection Step in Batch Injection Analysis Systems with Amperometric Detection
Authors: Gimenes Denise Tofanello , Pereira Polyana Fernandes , Cunha Rafael Rodrigues , Bezerra da Silva Rodrigo Amorim , Munoz Rodrigo Alejandro Abarza , Richter Eduardo Mathias 
Published: August 2012

AbstractIn this study, we describe for the first time the application of an internal standard method to compensate for random errors associated with the injection procedure in batch injection analysis (BIA) systems with multiple pulse amperometric detection. A sequence of potential pulses was selected in such a way that the internal standard (IS) compound was detected individually at one potential pulse and both the IS and analyte, were detected at another potential pulse. The current ratio (IIS+analyte/IIS) was used in the construction of the calibration curve and then to compensate for random errors. The use of disposable syringes or manual pipettes in BIA systems increases the robustness of the method and dispenses with skilled operators.
A statin‐regulated microRNA represses human c‐Myc expression and function
Authors: Takwi Apana A. L. , Li Yan , Becker Buscaglia Lindsey E. , Zhang Jingwen , Choudhury Saibyasachi , Park Ae Kyung , Liu Mofang , Young Ken H. , Park Woong‐Yang , Martin Robert C. G. , Li Yong 
Published: August 2012

Abstractc‐Myc dysregulation is one of the most common abnormalities found in human cancer. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are functionally intertwined with the c‐Myc network as multiple miRNAs are regulated by c‐Myc, while others directly suppress c‐Myc expression. In this work, we identified miR‐33b as a primate‐specific negative regulator of c‐Myc. The human miR‐33b gene is located at 17p11.2, a genomic locus frequently lost in medulloblastomas, of which a subset displays c‐Myc overproduction. Through a small‐scale screening with drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), we found that lovastatin upregulated miR‐33b expression, reduced cell proliferation and impaired c‐Myc expression and function in miR‐33b‐positive medulloblastoma cells. In addition, a low dose of lovastatin treatment at a level comparable to approved human oral use reduced tumour growth in mice orthotopically xenografted with cells carrying miR‐33b, but not with cells lacking miR‐33b. This work presents a highly promising therapeutic option, using drug repurposing and a miRNA as a biomarker, against cancers that overexpress c‐Myc.
The presence of behavioural and psychological symptoms and progression to dementia in the cognitively impaired older population
Authors: van der Linde Rianne M. , Stephan Blossom C. M. , Matthews Fiona E. , Brayne Carol , Savva George M. ,   on behalf of the Medical Research Council Cognitive Function and Ageing Study
Published: August 2012

ObjectiveBehavioural and psychological symptoms (BPS) are common in the older population and may be an indication of early dementia. We explored the predictive effect of the presence of BPS on the 2‐year progression to dementia in a cognitively impaired population aged 65 years and over without dementia at baseline.MethodsTwelve symptoms were measured in 2024 participants without dementia at baseline as part of a population‐based longitudinal study of ageing. The risk of progression to dementia was predicted in those with cognitive impairment for each individual BPS and using a BPS composite score.ResultsWandering and persecution were independently associated with progression to dementia after adjustment for socio‐demographic factors, cognitive domains and other BPS. When stratifying by cognitive function, those with low cognition (MMSE 0–18) and 4 or more BPS were more likely to progress to dementia than those without BPS.ConclusionsWe have shown that some psychiatric symptoms are associated with increased short‐term progression to dementia in those with low cognition. The predictive effect of BPS in dementia progression has implications for risk stratification of those at high risk of progression to dementia, along with memory impairment, other cognitive impairment and health variables. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hepatic encephalopathy is associated with decreased cerebral oxygen metabolism and blood flow, not increased ammonia uptake
Authors: Dam Gitte , Keiding Susanne , Munk Ole L. , Ott Peter , Vilstrup Hendrik , Bak Lasse K. , Waagepetersen Helle S. , Schousboe Arne , Sφrensen Michael 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Studies have shown decreased cerebral oxygen metabolism (CMRO2) and blood flow (CBF) in patients with cirrhosis with hepatic encephalopathy (HE). It remains unclear, however, whether these disturbances are associated with HE or with cirrhosis itself and how they may relate to arterial blood ammonia concentration and cerebral metabolic rate of blood ammonia (CMRA). We addressed these questions in a paired study design by investigating patients with cirrhosis during and after recovery from an acute episode of HE type C. CMRO2, CBF, and CMRA were measured by dynamic positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT). Ten patients with cirrhosis were studied during an acute episode of HE; nine were reexamined after recovery. Nine patients with cirrhosis with no history of HE served as controls. Mean CMRO2 increased from 0.73 μmol oxygen/mL brain tissue/min during HE to 0.91 μmol oxygen/mL brain tissue/min after recovery (paired t test; P < 0.05). Mean CBF increased from 0.28 mL blood/mL brain tissue/min during HE to 0.38 mL blood/mL brain tissue/min after recovery (P < 0.05). After recovery from HE, CMRO2 and CBF were not significantly different from values in the control patients. Arterial blood ammonia concentration decreased 20% after recovery (P < 0.05) and CMRA was unchanged (P > 0.30); both values were higher than in the control patients (both P < 0.05). Conclusion: The low values of CMRO2 and CBF observed during HE increased after recovery from HE and were thus associated with HE rather than the liver disease as such. The changes in CMRO2 and CBF could not be linked to blood ammonia concentration or CMRA. (Hepatology 2013)
Identification and validation of new autoantibodies for the diagnosis of DCIS and node negative early‐stage breast cancers
Authors: Lacombe Jérôme , Mangé Alain , Jarlier Marta , Bascoul‐Mollevi Caroline , Rouanet Philippe , Lamy Pierre‐Jean , Maudelonde Thierry , Solassol Jérôme 
Published: August 2012

AbstractEvidence of circulating autoantibodies in cancer patient sera has created opportunities for exploiting them as biomarkers. We report the identification and the clinical validation of an autoantibody panel in newly diagnosed patients with early‐stage breast cancer. Proteomic approach and serological screening of a discovery set of sera (n = 80) were performed to identify tumor‐associated antigens (TAAs). Autoantibody levels were then measured in an independent validation set (n = 182) against a panel of five TAAs by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Sixty‐seven antigens that elicited a specific humoral response in breast cancer were identified and five antigens (GAL3, PAK2, PHB2, RACK1 and RUVBL1) were selected for validation. GAL3 and RACK1 showed significantly increased reactivity in early‐stage breast cancer. When combined, the five markers significantly discriminated early‐stage cancer from healthy individuals (AUC = 0.81; 95% CI [0.74–0.86]). Interestingly, this value was high in both node‐negative early‐stage primary breast cancer (AUC = 0.81; 95% CI [0.72–0.88]) and ductal carcinoma in situ (AUC = 0.85; 95% CI [0.76–0.95]) populations. This autoantibody panel could be useful as a diagnostic tool in a screening strategy of early‐stage invasive breast cancer and preinvasive breast cancer. It could be particularly appropriate in complement to mammography for women with high breast density.
Resolution enhancement of nondestructive testing from B‐scans
Authors: Shieh Hsin M. , Yu Hsin‐Chun , Hsu Yu‐Ching , Yu Ruei 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThis article presents an approach to extend our previous work of the minimum‐weighted norm method in computerized tomography. In particular concentrating on applications of ultrasonic nondestructive testing, the resolution enhancement in the image reconstruction from B‐scans is achieved. To combat the degradation problem due to physical focus of finite‐sized ultrasonic transducer and incompleteness of B‐scan data, a profile‐oriented prior knowledge about the object being detected is incorporated in the image reconstruction, in the form of weighted summation of specific basis functions. Each basis function is characterized by an image of coherent illumination pattern associated with a specific measuring time and a specific measuring position. From the demonstrations with both simulated and experimental data values, this technique proves a great potential in improving the image quality. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 22, 185–193, 2012
Carbon‐supported perovskite oxides as oxygen reduction reaction catalyst in single chambered microbial fuel cells
Authors: Dong Heng , Yu Hongbing , Wang Xin , Zhou Qixing , Sun Jingwen 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: Pt‐free cathodic catalyst is needed for microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Perovskite‐type oxide could be a substitute for Pt because it has been proved to be a highly active and low‐cost oxygen reduction catalyst in chemical fuel cells.RESULTS: A nano‐sized La0.4Ca0.6Co0.9Fe0.1O3 perovskite‐type oxide on a carbon support (LCCF/C) was prepared and tested for its performance and stability (15 cycles) in MFCs. An exchange current density of 7.030 × 10−5 (A cm−2) was obtained with fresh LCCF/C cathode and is increased to 7.438 × 10−5 (A cm−2) after 15 cycles operating in MFCs. A power density of 405 mW m−2 was achieved with the LCCF/C cathode at the 2nd cycle which was between those of Pt/C (560 mW m−2) and C (339 mW m−2) cathodes. At the end of the 15th cycle, the lowest decay (due to biofouling) rate on the open circuit voltage (2%) and the maximum power density (15%) were observed with LCCF/C cathode compared with those of Pt/C (4%, 17%) and C (22%, 69%) cathodes, respectively.CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that perovskite‐type oxide on carbon support catalysts could be a potential substitute for Pt for cathodic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in air‐cathode MFCs. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Fuel ethanol production fromEucalyptus globuluswood by autocatalized organosolv pretreatment ethanol–water and SSF
Authors: Yáñez‐S Mauricio , Rojas Jonathan , Castro Jean , Ragauskas Arthur , Baeza Jaime , Freer Juanita 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBACKGROUNDLignocellulosic biomass (LCB) offers the only sustainable alternative to the use of fossil fuels as oil by employing its main components (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin) as a carbon source for the production of biofuels, energy and value‐added chemicals. The aim of the present study was to investigate ethanol production from organosolv pretreatedEucalyptus globuluswood, carrying out the simultaneous sacharification and fermentation (SSF) process at a substrate loading of 10 and 15% (w/v) and using concentrations of 6 and 12 g L−1of the thermally acclimatizedS. cerevisiaeIR2T9‐a strain. These SSF experiments were also evaluated by increasing the enzyme loading in the reaction medium. Finally, a comparison was made between separate hydrolysis and fermentation (SHF) and SSF processes. With the information obtained and from published information, a general mass balance was developed.RESULTSThe highest ethanol concentration (∼42 g L−1) in the fermentation broth was obtained at a substrate consistency of 15% (w/v), enzyme loading of 20 FPU cellulase 40 UI β‐glucosidase g−1of pretreated material and using bothS. cerevisiaestrain IR2‐9a concentrations (6 and 12 g L−1).CONCLUSIONThe results of enzymatic hydrolysis (EH) show that increasing substrate content from 10 to 15% (w/v) decreases the conversion efficiency of cellulose to glucose. Furthermore, the mass balances of the process indicate that the SSF process is a better alternative than the SHF configuration, because larger amounts of ethanol can be obtained. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Performance evaluation of an ANN–GA aided experimental modeling and optimization procedure for enhanced synthesis of marine biosurfactant in a stirred tank reactor
Authors: Sivapathasekaran Chandrasekaran , Sen Ramkrishna 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: An improved resilient back‐propagation neural network modeling coupled with genetic algorithm aided optimization technique was employed for optimizing the process variables to maximize lipopeptide biosurfactant production by marine Bacillus circulans.RESULTS: An artificial neural network (ANN) was used to develop a non‐linear model based on a 24 full factorial central composite design involving four independent parameters, agitation, aeration, temperature and pH with biosurfactant concentration as the process output. The polynomial model was optimized to maximize lipopeptide biosurfactants concentration using a genetic algorithm (GA). The ranges and levels of these critical process parameters were determined through single‐factor‐at‐a‐time experimental strategy. Improved ANN‐GA modeling and optimization were performed using MATLAB v.7.6 and the experimental design was obtained using Design Expert v.7.0. The ANN model was developed using the advanced neural network architecture called resilient back‐propagation algorithm.CONCLUSION: Process optimization for maximum production of marine microbial surfactant involving ANN‐GA aided experimental modeling and optimization was successfully carried out as the predicted optimal conditions were well validated by performing actual fermentation experiments. Approximately 52% enhancement in biosurfactant concentration was achieved using the above‐mentioned optimization strategy. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Testing the Behavioural and Environmental Consistency of Serial Sex Offenders: A Signature Approach
Authors: Harbers Ellen , Deslauriers‐Varin Nadine , Beauregard Eric , van der Kemp Jasper J. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe present study examines consistency of crime behaviour among 347 sexual assaults committed by 69 serial sex offenders. This individual behaviour approach—the so‐called signature approach—reveals which features of crime behaviour are consistent across a series and which features are not. The consistency scores were calculated using the Jaccard's coefficient. The results of this study indicate that there are some crime features of a serial sexual assault that can be useful for the purpose of linkage. Another important finding is that consistency scores for different variables within the same category can differ substantially. Moreover, serial sex offenders are more likely to be consistent in their environmental crime features when they are also consistent in their behavioural features, and vice versa. Serial sex offenders are also more likely to be consistent in the behavioural features of their assaults as the crime series gets longer. The implications of the results are discussed in relation to both research and practise. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of pressure‐driven brain infusions in nonhuman primates by intra‐operative 7 tesla MRI
Authors: Rosenbluth Kathryn H. , Martin Alastair J. , Bringas John , Bankiewicz Krystof S. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose:To characterize the effects of pressure‐driven brain infusions using high field intra‐operative MRI. Understanding these effects is critical for upcoming neurodegeneration and oncology trials using convection‐enhanced delivery (CED) to achieve large drug distributions with minimal off‐target exposure.Materials and Methods:High‐resolution T2‐weighted and diffusion‐tensor images were acquired serially on a 7 Tesla MRI scanner during six CED infusions in nonhuman primates. The images were used to evaluate the size, distribution, diffusivity, and temporal dynamics of the infusions.Results:The infusion distribution had high contrast in the T2‐weighted images. Diffusion tensor images showed the infusion increased diffusivity, reduced tortuosity, and reduced anisotropy. These results suggested CED caused an increase in the extracellular space.Conclusion:High‐field intra‐operative MRI can be used to monitor the distribution of infusate and changes in the geometry of the brain's porous matrix. These techniques could be used to optimize the effectiveness of pressure‐driven drug delivery to the brain. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012; 36:1339–1346. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Weidmüller, Inc., breaks away from the competition by creatively targeting customers' needs
Authors: White Doug , White Polly 
Published: August 2012

AbstractOne of management's ongoing challenges is how best to set its products and services apart from those of the competition—a task that takes on increasing importance in a troubled economy. For the president of Weidmüller, Inc., the American subsidiary of a German industrial manufacturer, that challenge led him to question prevailing assumptions about market segmentation in order to precisely identify the company's true customers. To address their particular needs, he devised a strategy to facilitate the purchasing process and created an incentive to encourage them to select his company's products over those of the competition. His efforts increased sales by 50 percent and distinguished Weidmüller as an industry trailblazer. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quality‐oriented teamwork resolves aerospace manufacturer's critical path tooling crisis
Authors: Gill Ronald A. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractFaced with the loss of a supply of essential aircraft parts, an aerospace manufacturer took rapid steps to clarify and communicate the problem and organize a cross‐functional team of experts to address it. Working within a quality‐focused framework, they brainstormed a number of viable options and then systematically reviewed each to identify the one that would meet all production, cost, scheduling, and customer service requirements, while keeping all stakeholders abreast of developments. In the end, they redesigned critical processes so that the parts supply operation could be transferred to a local site at modest cost, thus ensuring uninterrupted production and the attainment of the company's financial and quality objectives. For its efforts, the team earned an International Team Excellence silver‐level award from the American Society for Quality in 2010. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Why are some firms more innovative than others? Exploring the role of learning organization components
Authors: Farooq Omer 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBasing their study on the seven‐component framework for a learning organization suggested by Marsick and Watkins in 2003, researchers investigated the combined as well as individual impact of these components on innovation in 139 South Asian companies. They also examined the effect that organizational size and type have on innovation. Their results revealed that the characteristics of learning organizations have a strong positive effect on the innovation performance of firms when they are combined, but that individually the components have no significant influence. In addition, they found that the effect differed depending on the size and type of organization. These findings have implications for organizational managers who wish to encourage innovation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Local versus regional processes: can soil characteristics overcome climate and fire regimes by modifying vegetation trajectories?
Authors: Genries Aurélie , Finsinger Walter , Asnong Hans , Bergeron Yves , Carcaillet Christopher , Garneau Michelle , Hély Christelle , Ali Adam A. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractWe analysed charcoal and pollen from sediments obtained from two lakes in the northwestern mixed‐wood Canadian boreal forest in order to reconstruct fire‐return intervals and vegetation dynamics over the last 8000 years. Sites were selected with contrasting soil properties (mesic versus dry‐sandy soils), allowing an estimation of the potential influence of soils on long‐term vegetation and fire dynamics. The sites likely experienced fewer fires during the period extending from 8000 to 4000 cal. a BP than over the last 4000 years. At both sites, eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) populations were most extensive shortly after deglaciation, with vegetation later shifting towards mixed woodlands with less P. strobus and more extensive Picea and Pinus banksiana populations. This gradual vegetation shift was probably induced by the establishment of colder and moister conditions along with a fire‐regime change. In spite of the parallel long‐term vegetation trajectories, vegetation composition differed between the two sites in both the past and present. Whereas Picea was more abundant at the mesic site, the fire‐adapted P. banksiana populations were more extensive at the sandy‐soil site. These differences in vegetation composition indicate that, in addition to climate changes and fire occurrence, soil properties also influenced vegetation dynamics. A likely increase in fire frequency in the Canadian boreal forest during the 21st century might therefore favour the expansion of these two disturbance‐adapted trees with spatial heterogeneity in the populations due to varying soil types. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.