bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interface dynamic stiffness matrix approach for three‐dimensional transient multi‐region boundary element analysis
Authors: Pereira A. , Beer G.
Published: July 2009

A novel substructuring method is developed for the coupling of boundary element and finite element subdomains in order to model three‐dimensional multi‐region elastodynamic problems in the time domain. The proposed procedure is based on the interface stiffness matrix approach for static multi‐region problems using variational principles together with the concept of Duhamel integrals. Unit impulses are applied at the boundary of each region in order to evaluate the impulse response matrices of the Duhamel (convolution) integrals. Although the method is not restricted to a special discretization technique, the regions are discretized using the boundary element method combined with the convolution quadrature method. This results in a time‐domain methodology with the advantages of performing computations in the Laplace domain, which produces very accurate and stable results as verified on test examples. In addition, the assembly of the boundary element regions and the coupling to finite elements are greatly simplified and more efficient. Finally, practical applications in the area of soil–structure interaction and tunneling problems are shown. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On stable implicit difference scheme for hyperbolic–parabolic equations in a Hilbert space
Authors: Ashyralyev Allaberen , Ozdemir Yildirim
Published: July 2009

The first‐order of accuracy difference scheme for approximately solving the multipoint nonlocal boundary value problem

for the differential equation in a Hilbert space H, with self‐adjoint positive definite operator A is presented. The stability estimates for the solution of this difference scheme are established. In applications, the stability estimates for the solution of difference schemes of the mixed type boundary value problems for hyperbolic–parabolic equations are obtained. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2009
Human remains from the Moravian Gravettian: morphology and taphonomy of additional elements from Dolní Vĕstonice II and Pavlov I
Authors: Trinkaus E. , Svoboda J. A. , Wojtal P. , Fišákova M. Nývltová , Wilczyński J.
Published: July 2009

Zooarchaeological analysis of the earlier Mid Upper Paleolithic (MUP) (Pavlovian) assemblages from Dolní Vĕstonice II and Pavlov I, southern Moravia, have yielded 11 additional remains from Dolní Vĕstonice II (five of which may be associated) and 20 remains from Pavlov I (16 of which come from a pair of hands, Pavlov 31). These remains are those of early modern humans, albeit with a few generally archaic features. At least two of them represent very tall individuals, among the tallest known for the Upper Paleolithic. These remains also raise the question, previously posed, as to the nature of differential treatment of the dead among MUP humans, given the presence of ritual burials, isolated bones and (with Pavlov 31) selected associated anatomy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
dsoa: The implementation of a dynamic system optimization algorithm
Authors: Fabien Brian C.
Published: July 2009

This paper describes the ANSI C/C++ computer program dsoa, which implements an algorithm for the approximate solution of dynamics system optimization problems. The algorithm is a direct method that can be applied to the optimization of dynamic systems described by index‐1 differential‐algebraic equations (DAEs). The types of problems considered include optimal control problems and parameter identification problems. The numerical techniques are employed to transform the dynamic system optimization problem into a parameter optimization problem by: (i) parameterizing the control input as piecewise constant on a fixed mesh, and (ii) approximating the DAEs using a linearly implicit Runge‐Kutta method. The resultant nonlinear programming (NLP) problem is solved via a sequential quadratic programming technique. The program dsoa is evaluated using 83 nontrivial optimal control problems that have appeared in the literature. Here we compare the performance of the algorithm using two different NLP problem solvers, and two techniques for computing the derivatives of the functions that define the problem. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Full delayed state feedback pole assignment of discrete‐time time‐delay systems
Authors: Zhou Bin , Lam James , Duan Guang‐Ren
Published: July 2009

This paper studies the problem of pole assignment of discrete‐time time delay system with delayed state feedback. The problem is solved in this paper by requiring that the maximal delay in the feedback equals the maximal delay of the open‐loop system. A necessary and sufficient condition guaranteeing the existence of a solution is presented. By using the augmentation technique, the pole assignment problem is then transformed to the problem of solving a linear matrix equation such that certain conditions are satisfied. To solve the linear equation problem, when the desired closed‐loop eigenvalues are not prescribed, a parametric approach using real arithmetic is presented by using polynomial matrices associated with the system matrices. When the desired closed‐loop eigenvalues are prescribed, singular value decomposition can be adopted to solve the linear matrix equation. Both approaches can provide full degree of freedom, which can be further utilized to accomplish some other design objects. The robust pole assignment problem is considered to demonstrate the advantages of the method. Numerical examples are employed to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approaches. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New stability and stabilization methods for nonlinear systems with time‐varying delays
Authors: Mahmoud Magdi S. , El Ferik Sami A.
Published: July 2009

This paper establishes new robust delay‐dependent stability and stabilization methods for a class of nominally linear continuous‐time systems with time‐varying delays. The parameter uncertainties are convex‐bounded and the unknown nonlinearities are time‐varying perturbations satisfying Lipschitz conditions in the state and delayed state. An appropriate Lyapunov functional is constructed to exhibit the delay‐dependent dynamics via descriptor format. Delay‐dependent stability analysis is performed to characterize linear matrix inequalities (LMIs)‐based conditions under which the nominally linear delay system is robustly asymptotically stable with a γ‐level ℒ︁2‐gain. Then we design delay‐dependent feedback stabilization schemes: a static one based on state‐measurements and a dynamic one based on observer‐based output feedback. In both schemes, the closed‐loop feedback system enjoys the delay‐dependent asymptotic stability with a prescribed γ‐level ℒ︁2‐gain. The feedback gains are determined by convex optimization over LMIs. All the developed results are tested on a representative example. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid regression of lymphadenopathy upon rapamycin treatment in a child with autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome
Authors: Dragana Janić Mihailo , Dimitrije Brašanac Čedomir , Srđa Janković Jovan , Lidija Dokmanović Bogdan , Nada Krstovski Radmio , Nada Kraguljac Kurtović Janko
Published: July 2009

Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) is a genetic disorder of the immune system caused by inadequate induction of apoptosis via the Fas pathway, mainly characterized by generalized lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, and autoimmune cytopenias, as well as increased risk of lymphoma. Although the clinical course of ALPS is highly variable, without treatment long‐term prognosis is unsatisfactory for most patients. ALPS has been treated with most of the existing immunosuppressive agents, with variable success. We hereby present a case of a child with ALPS whose greatly enlarged lymph nodes rapidly regressed upon initiation of rapamycin, a novel potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of ALPS. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:1117–1119. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Septic arthritis as the initial manifestation of fatal Vibrio vulnificus septicemia in a patient with thalassemia and iron overload
Authors: Kuo Chang‐Hung , Dai Zen‐Kong , Wu Jiunn‐Ren , Hsieh Tsyh‐Jyi , Hung Chih‐Hsing , Hsu Jong‐Hau
Published: July 2009

Vibrio vulnificus infection is an uncommon but potentially fatal disease in children such that prompt recognition has prognostic implications. We describe here the case of a 9‐year‐old female with thalassemia and iron overload who presented with septic arthritis as an atypical initial manifestation of fatal V. vulnificus septicemia. This report underscores the possibility of septic arthritis as an early manifestation of V. vulnificus septicemia. Pediatricians should be alert to this extremely invasive disease, especially in children with iron overload. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:1156–1158. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Functionalised multi‐walled carbon nanotubes for epoxy nanocomposites with improved performance
Authors: Armstrong Gordon , Ruether Manuel , Blighe Fiona , Blau Werner
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND: Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are fast becoming key components in the production of high‐strength composite materials. Two methods to prepare nanocomposites by covalent bonding between an epoxy matrix and functionalised CNTs that acted as cross‐linkers during polymerisation were investigated.

RESULTS: In the standard method, 1 wt% functionalised CNTs was dispersed in epoxy, hardener was added and the composite was cured. In the masterbatch approach, 1 wt% functionalised CNTs was mixed with epoxy in the presence of triethylamine accelerator, then cured. This yielded partially cured epoxy; additional hardener was required to achieve complete curing. Improvements were observed in storage modulus (E′), flexural modulus (EB), wear resistance and hardness. Thermal stability did not change appreciably for samples prepared by either the standard or masterbatch methods. Variations in the results obtained as a function of preparation method, functionalised CNTs and hardener used are discussed.

CONCLUSION: Epoxy nanocomposites having improved mechanical properties were obtained by incorporating functionalised CNTs. Better interaction between the epoxy and CNT was achieved using the masterbatch method; this was attributed to covalent bonding between the CNTs and epoxy. However, optimisation of the CNTs, accelerator and hardener used in composite preparation is required to obtain improved physical properties. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Unusually highly efficient, singlet state, visible light photoinitiators based on styrylbenzimidazolium phenyltributylborate photoredox pairs for vinyl monomers free radical polymerization
Authors: Pietrzak Marek , Jędrzejewska Beata , Pączkowski Jerzy
Published: July 2009

In this article, hemicyanine dye–borate complexes, for example, 1,3‐dimethyl‐2‐[4‐(N,N‐dialkylamino)styryl]benzimidazolium phenyl‐tri‐n‐butylborates, were employed as the novel, very effective photoinitiators operating in the visible light region. The influence of the sensitizers and electron donor structure on the photopolymerization kinetics of multiacrylate monomer was investigated by photo‐DSC. The maximum photopolymerization quantum yield measured for 2‐ethyl‐2‐(hydroxymethyl)‐1,3‐propanediol triacrylate (TMPTA) was about 67 for sample of thickness of about 1 mm under 100 mW/cm2 laser irradiation. It was found that the polymerization rate and the final conversion degree were depended on the dye structure. Moreover, the photoinitiating systems described gave a double bond conversion higher than the photoinitiator possessing as chromophore RBAX (Rose Bengal derivative), the common triplet state initiator. Additionally, the rate of photopolymerization depends on ΔGel of electron transfer between borate anion and styrylbenzimidazolium cation. This latter value was estimated for a series of styrylbenzimidazolium borate salts. The relationship between the rate of polymerization and the free energy of activation for electron transfer reaction gives the dependence predicted by the classical theory of electron transfer. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 4119–4129, 2009
Water soluble azido polyisocyanopeptides as functional β‐sheet mimics
Authors: Schwartz Erik , Koepf Matthieu , Kitto Heather J. , Espelt Mónica , Nebot‐Carda Vicent J. , De Gelder Rene , Nolte Roeland J. M. , Cornelissen Jeroen J. L. M. , Rowan Alan E.
Published: July 2009

The design and synthesis of functional biomimetic water soluble polymers with a defined secondary structure has been developed using β‐sheet polyisocyanopeptide scaffolds. Water soluble isocyanopolymers were prepared by random copolymerisation of the azido functionalized isocyanopeptides with nonfunctionalised methyl ester isocyanides derived from alanine. Upon saponification of the latter function a rigid rod water soluble polymer was obtained with an accessible azide for postfunctionalization. The potential of these biomimetic polymers was successfully demonstrated by using the click chemistry reaction of these polymers with an acetylene functionalised rhodamine dye. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 4150–4164, 2009
Antithetic function of alcohol in living cationic polymerization: From terminator/inhibitor to useful initiator
Authors: Nakatani Kazuhiro , Ouchi Makoto , Sawamoto Mitsuo
Published: July 2009

We employed alcohols as initiators for living cationic polymerization of vinyl ethers and p‐methoxystyrene, coupled with tolerant Lewis acid, borontrifluoride etherate (BF3OEt2), although they were known to be poisonous reagent to bring about chain‐breaking such as chain transfer/termination rather than such beneficial one for propagation and polymerization‐control. As well known, without assistance of additive, ill‐defined polymers with broad molecular weight distributions (MWDs) were produced. Even addition of conventional oxygen‐based bases, for example, ethyl acetate (AcOEt), 1,4‐dioxane (DO), tetrahydrofran (THF), and diethyl ether (Et2O) was less efficient in this system to control molecular weights and MWDs (Mw/Mn > 2.0). In contrast, by addition of dimethyl sulfide (Me2S), MWDs of the resultant polymers became much narrower (Mw/Mn < 1.23) and the number‐average molecular weight (Mn) increased in direct proportion to monomer conversion in agreement with the calculated values assuming that one alcohol molecule generates one polymer chain. Studying changed feed‐ratio of alcohol to monomer and structural analyses with NMR and MALDI‐TOF‐MS indicated that quantitative initiation from alcohol giving alkoxide counteranion. This system opens a new way to use a variety of alcohols as initiators, which would allow us to design variety of structures and functions of counteranion. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 4194–4201, 2009
Dendronized supramolecular polymers self‐assembled from dendritic ionic liquids
Authors: Imam Mohammad R. , Peterca Mihai , Edlund Ulrica , Balagurusamy Venkatachalapathy S. K. , Percec Virgil
Published: July 2009

The synthesis, structural, and retrostructural analysis of a library of self‐assembling dendrons containing triethyl and tripropyl ammonium, pyridinium and 3‐methylimidazolium chloride, tetrafluoroborate, and hexafluorophosphate at their apex are reported. These dendritic ionic liquids self‐assemble into supramolecular columns or spheres which self‐organize into 2D hexagonal or rectangular and 3D cubic or tetragonal liquid crystalline and crystalline lattices. Structural analysis by X‐ray diffraction experiments demonstrated the self‐assembly of supramolecular dendrimers containing columnar and spherical nanoscale ionic liquid reactors segregated in their core. Both in the supramolecular columns and spheres the noncovalent interactions mediated by the ionic liquid provide a supramolecular polymer and therefore, these assemblies represent a new class of dendronized supramolecular polymers. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 4165–4193, 2009
Organizational stabilities of bulk neat and well‐mixed, blended polymer samples coalesced from their crystalline inclusion compounds formed with cyclodextrins
Authors: Tonelli Alan E.
Published: July 2009

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are cyclic starches containing α‐1,4‐linked glucose units. Commonly available α‐, β‐, and γ‐CDs have six, seven, and eight glucose units, respectively. They are well known for forming noncovalent inclusion complexes (ICs) with a variety of guest molecules, including many polymers, by threading and inclusion into their relatively hydrophobic interior cavities, which are roughly cylindrical, with diameters of ∼0.5–1.0 nm. Warm water washing of crystalline CD‐ICs containing polymer guests insoluble in water or treatment with amylase enzymes serve to remove the host CDs and result in the coalescence of the guest polymers into solid bulk samples. When guest polymers are coalesced from their CD‐ICs by carefully removing the host CD lattices, they are observed to solidify with structures, morphologies, and even conformations that are distinct from bulk samples made from their solutions and melts. In addition, molecularly mixed, intimate blends can be obtained upon coalescence of two or more normally immiscible polymer guests from their common CD‐ICs. Not only are the organizations and behaviors of bulk polymer samples significantly modified on coalescence from their CD‐ICs, but both are also maintained for significant periods of time even when heated above their Tgs and Tms, where their chains are mobile. Here, we discuss the long‐time, high temperature stabilities of the organizations and properties of bulk polymers coalesced from their crystalline CD‐ICs. While random‐coiling of their initially coalesced, largely extended, separated, and unentangled chains may be relatively rapid, we conclude that the subsequent slow establishment of homogeneous melts or phase‐segregated blends results from the extremely sluggish center‐of‐mass diffusion that must accompany full entanglement of their chains. Apparently, the process of entangling the largely separated and not fully interpenetrating randomly coiled chains initially coalesced from their CD‐ICs is particularly slow, much slower in fact than the center‐of mass diffusion of polymer chains in their fully entangled melts. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 1543–1553, 2009
Effect of chain blockiness on the phase behavior of ethylene‐octene copolymer blends
Authors: Kamdar A. R. , Wang H. P. , Khariwala D. U. , Taha A. , Hiltner A. , Baer E.
Published: July 2009

New challenges and opportunities for polyolefin blends arise from the recent introduction of olefin block copolymers (OBCs). In this study, the effect of chain blockiness on the miscibility and phase behavior of ethylene‐octene (EO) copolymer blends was studied. Binary blends of two statistical copolymers (EO/EO blends) that differed in comonomer content were compared with blends of an EO with a blocky EO copolymer (EO/OBC blends). The blends were rapidly quenched to retain the phase morphology in the melt and the phase volumes were obtained by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Two EOs of molecular weight about 100 kg/mol were miscible if the difference in octene content was less than about 10 mol % and immiscible if the octene content difference was greater than about 13 mol %. The blocky nature of the OBCs reduced the miscibility and broadened the partial miscibility window of the EO/OBC blends compared with the EO/EO blends. The EO/OBC blends were miscible if the octene content difference was less than 7 mol % and immiscible above 13 mol % octene content difference. It was also found that the phase behavior of EO/OBC blends strongly depended on blend composition even for constituent polymers of about the same molecular weight. Significantly more demixing was observed in an OBC‐rich blend (EO/OBC 30/70 v/v) than in an OBC‐poor blend (EO/OBC 70/30 v/v). An interpretation based on extractable fractions of the OBC described the major features of the EO/OBC (30/70 v/v) blends. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 1554–1572, 2009
Temperature induced structural evolution of a fluorene‐thiophene copolymer on rubbed surfaces
Authors: Werzer Oliver , Flesch Heinz‐Georg , Smilgies Detlef‐M. , Resel Roland
Published: July 2009

The thermal alignment of the liquid crystalline fluorene‐thiophene copolymer (F8T2) on rubbed polyimide surfaces is investigated by ex‐situ and in‐situ X‐ray scattering experiments. The ex‐situ characterization allows an assignment of the observed diffraction peaks to distances between polymer backbones (1.6 nm), distances between the flexible side groups of the polymer chains (0.43 nm), and intramolecular distances of adjacent ring units (0.5 nm). The in‐situ characterization allows a temperature dependent observation of the polymer chain alignment. A gradual alignment process of the polymer backbones is observed for temperatures up to 563 K. Decreasing temperature after the polymer chain alignment is accompanied by a glass transition of the side chains at 380 K. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47:1599–1604, 2009
Plastic deformation of ethylene/methacrylic acid copolymers and ionomers
Authors: Scogna Robert C. , Register Richard A.
Published: July 2009

A material strained beyond its yield point typically suffers substantial irrecoverable deformation. Surprisingly, this is not the case for ethylene/methacrylic acid (E/MAA) copolymers and ionomers, for which significant permanent deformation does not result until the applied strain exceeds 50–150%, far beyond the yield strain of 5–10%. At room temperature, strain recovery is complete on the order of hours or days following the removal of the applied load. Interestingly, the onset of permanent deformation coincides with a broad maximum or shoulder in the plot of stress versus strain. Two‐dimensional X‐ray scattering studies of both initially isotropic samples and highly aligned blown films reveals that this “second yield shoulder,” commonly observed in the stress–strain curves of ethylene/α‐olefin copolymers, is fundamentally associated with polyethylene crystal fracture, resulting in fragments of reduced lateral extent. Connections formed between these crystalline fragments lock in the deformed conformations of the amorphous intercrystalline segments, preventing the specimen from retracting to its initial dimensions. Additional recovery is possible through heating; complete melting of the deformed specimens results in full recovery up to applied strains of 200%, beyond which strain‐induced chain disentanglement begins. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 1588–1598, 2009
Bonding Structure and Mechanical Properties of Ti‐B‐C Coatings
Authors: Abad Manuel David , Cáceres Daniel , Pogozhev Yury S. , Shtansky Dmitry V. , Sánchez‐López Juan Carlos
Published: July 2009

Nanocomposite coatings combining hard phases (TiB2, TiC) with an amorphous carbon (a‐C) were developed to provide a good compromise between mechanical and tribological properties for M2 steels used in a wide variety of applications such as cutting tools, bearings and gear mechanisms. A combined d.c.‐pulsed and r.f.‐magnetron deposition process was used to deposit nanocomposite TiBC/a‐C coatings with a variable content of carbon matrix phase. Chemical composition was determined by electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the coatings microstructure is rather amorphous with small nanocrystals of TiC and/or TiB2 (not possible to differentiate by diffraction techniques). Investigation of the chemical bonding environment by XPS and EELS allows us to confirm the presence of titanium‐boron and titanium‐carbon bonds together with free a‐C. Coatings exhibited hardness values (H) of 25–29 GPa, effective Young modulus (E*) of 310–350 GPa, H/E* ratios over 0.080 and resistance to plastic deformation (H3/E*2) from 0.15 to 0.20. Tribological properties of the coatings were characterized by a pin‐on‐disk tribometer using steel and WC balls at high contact stresses (1.1 and 1.4 GPa respectively). Friction coefficients were reduced from 0.6 to 0.2 by increasing the content of free carbon without reduction of the hardness (around 28 GPa), by self‐lubricant effects. The tribo‐mechanical data are revised according to the phase composition and chemical bonding inside the nanocomposites.
Identification of harmless and pathogenic algae of the genus Prototheca by MALDI‐MS
Authors: von Bergen Martin , Eidner Angelika , Schmidt Frank , Murugaiyan Jayaseelan , Wirth Henry , Binder Hans , Maier Thomas , Roesler Uwe
Published: July 2009

The only plants infectious for mammals, green algae from the genus Prototheca, are often overseen or mistaken for yeast in clinical diagnosis. To improve this diagnostical gap, a method was developed for fast and reliable identification of Prototheca. A collection of all currently recognized Prototheca species, most represented by several strains, were submitted to a simple extraction by 70% formic acid and ACN; the extracts were analyzed by means of MALDI‐MS. Most of the peaks were found in the range from 4 to 20 kDa and showed a high reproducibility, not in absolute intensities, but in their peak pattern. The selection of measured peaks is mostly due to the technique of ionization in MALDI‐MS, because proteins in the range up to 200 kDa were detected using gel electrophoresis. Some of the proteins were identified by peptide mass fingerprinting and MS2 analysis and turned out to be ribosomal proteins or other highly abundant proteins such as ubiquitin. For the preparation of a heatmap, the intensities of the peaks were plotted and a cluster analysis was performed. From the peak‐lists, a principal component analysis was conducted and a dendrogram was built. This dendrogram, based on MALDI spectra, was in fairly good agreement with a dendrogram based on sequence information from 18S DNA. As a result, pathogenic and nonpathogenic species from the genus Prototheca can be identified, with possible consequences for clinical diagnostics by MALDI‐typing.
Proteomic analysis of circulating immune complexes in juvenile idiopathic arthritis reveals disease‐associated proteins
Authors: Low Jason M. , Chauhan Anil K. , Gibson David S. , Zhu Mengmeng , Chen Sixue , Rooney Madeleine E. , Ombrello Michael J. , Moore Terry L.
Published: July 2009

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis reflects a group of clinically heterogeneous arthritides hallmarked by elevated concentrations of circulating immune complexes. In this study, the circulating immune complex proteome was examined to elucidate disease‐associated proteins that are overexpressed in patients with an aggressive, and at times destructive, disease phenotype. To solve this proteome, circulating immune complexes were isolated from the sera of patients with chronic, erosive or early‐onset, aggressive disease and from patients in medical remission or healthy controls subsequent to protein separation by 2‐DE. Thirty‐seven protein spots were overexpressed in the circulating immune complexes of the aggressive disease groups as compared to controls, 28 of which have been confidently identified to date. Proteolytic fragments of glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase, serotransferrin, and α‐1‐antitrypsin have been identified among others. In total, these 28 putative disease‐associated proteins most definitely contribute to immune complex formation and likely have a significant role in disease etiology and pathogenesis. Moreover, these proteins represent markers of aggressive disease, which could aid in diagnosis and management strategies, and potential therapeutic targets to prevent or control disease outcome. This is the first in‐depth analysis of the circulating immune complex proteome in juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
What you need to know about inhalers and how to use them
Authors: Chrystyn Henry , Price David
Published: July 2009

The authors describe the problems that arise with metered‐dose and dry‐powder inhalers, and how these can be avoided by better inhalation technique and the use of MDIs that emit ultra‐fine particles. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd
All‐nitride monochromatic amber‐emitting phosphor‐converted light‐emitting diodes
Authors: Mueller‐Mach Regina , Mueller Gerd O. , Krames Michael R. , Shchekin Oleg B. , Schmidt Peter J. , Bechtel Helmut , Chen Ching‐Hui , Steigelmann Oliver
Published: July 2009

Phosphor conversion of light‐emitting diode (LED) radiation has been used in many configurations and combinations to generate white light. The concept of down conversion of, e.g., blue LED emission, offers also the possibility to provide efficient generation of monochromatic, high‐color‐purity light, especially in wavelength ranges in which direct radiation from non‐converted LEDs is relatively inefficient, i.e., in the “yellow gap”. In the case described here, a blue‐emitting LED is ‘fully’ converted to amber emission with a peak wavelength of 595 nm and a color purity of >96%, while demonstrating an external quantum efficiency exceeding that of direct AlGaInP LEDs of the same wavelength by a factor of almost two at room temperature, and the lumen output under equal drive conditions at 85 °C by more than a factor of four. An essential component in this high performance is, besides the choice of the right – nitride – phosphor, the use of this phosphor in a densely sintered ceramic form which has considerable optical advantages over powders. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Morphotropic phase boundary in (1–x)Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3–x (Bi0.8La0.2)FeO3 with improved depolarization temperature
Authors: Wang Lei , Zhang Chong , Ji Wei‐Jing , Zhang Shan‐Tao , Chen Yan‐Feng
Published: July 2009

The structure–property relationship of (1–x)Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3–x (Bi0.8La0.2)FeO3 (BNT–BLF) lead‐free piezoceramics was investigated. A morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) exists near x = 0.0125 with highest piezoelectric constant d33 and electromechanical coupling factor kp of 128 pC/N and 0.30, respectively. Especially, it was found that the introduction of BLF can improve the depolarization temperature (Td) of BNT‐based piezoceramics. At 100 Hz, the measured Td of the composition with x = 0.0125 was 163 °C, i.e., higher than for other BNT‐based ceramics. These results may provide some guidelines to develop BNT‐based piezoceramics with high Td. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Design and analysis of industrial strip‐plot experiments
Authors: Arnouts Heidi , Goos Peter , Jones Bradley
Published: July 2009

The cost of experimentation can often be reduced by forgoing complete randomization. A well‐known design with restricted randomization is a split‐plot design, which is commonly used in industry when some experimental factors are harder to change than others or when a two‐stage production process is studied. Split‐plot designs are also often used in robust product design to develop products that are insensitive to environmental or noise factors. Another, lesser known, type of experimental design plan that can be used in such situations is the strip‐plot experimental design. Strip‐plot designs are economically attractive in situations where the factors are hard to change and the process under investigation consists of two distinct stages, and where it is possible to apply the second stage to groups of semi‐finished products from the first stage. They have a correlation structure similar to row–column designs and can be seen as special cases of split‐lot designs. In this paper, we show how optimal design of experiments allows for the creation of a broad range of strip‐plot designs. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Three‐peak Autler‐Townes splitting in the photoelectron spectrum of Li2 molecules caused by femtosecond laser pulses
Authors: Hu Wen‐Hui , Yuan Kai‐Jun , Han Yong‐Chang , Shu Chuan‐Cun , Cong Shu‐Lin
Published: July 2009

Three‐peak Autler‐Townes (A‐T) splitting in the resonant multiphoton ionization photoelectron spectrum for a rotating Li2 molecular system in femtosecond pulse laser fields is studied by using two‐dimension time‐dependent quantum wave packet method. The A‐T splitting results from rapid Rabi oscillation caused by intense femtosecond laser pulses. Because of the effects of molecular rotation and alignment, the Rabi oscillation in the population distribution will be damped in a certain degree. The three‐peak A‐T splitting can only be observed for a strongly aligned molecule with rapid Rabi oscillation. The three‐peak A‐T splitting dynamics can be affected by intensity, duration, temporal profile of laser pulse, and initial molecular rotational temperature. The conditions to observe the A‐T splitting are discussed in detail. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
Mobile TV Receiver Technology with special emphasis on DVB‐SH
Authors: Pekowsky Stuart , Pousset Gerard , Levy Yannick
Published: July 2009

DVB‐SH is one of the most recent video broadcast standards to come from the DVB consortium. It is a hybrid satellite and terrestrial system, which will enable mobile DTV services over vast geographical areas similar to the DTH fixed satellite systems that are commonplace today. A comparison between DTH and DVB‐SH has also shown, thanks to the terrestrial network part, that DVB‐SH is more efficient for indoor and city center reception. The technology available today to support DVB‐SH is based on a long line of technological advances in signal processing and materials processes used in DVB‐T and DVB‐H. These advances have allowed more powerful chipsets to become available in smaller form‐factors using less power, critical for integration into mobile and portable devices. Through the use of advanced DVB‐SH chipsets like the DiBcom DIB29098, DVB‐SH handheld and automotive terminals can be designed and offered at competitive and attractive prices for both OEM and After‐Market applications. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stress and well‐being
Authors: Cooper Cary L.
Published: July 2009

Given the world economic crisis over the last year, the fields of stress and well‐being have taken off as significant focal points of research attention in the psychological and medical sciences. For example, the UK government's Foresight project on Mental Capital and Wellbeing, which was launched in October 2008, explored how one's mental capital is enhanced or depleted throughout the life course through numerous international science reviews (Cooper, Field, Goswami, Jenkins, & Sahakian, 2009), and ultimately by evidence‐based policies and interventions. The European Union has similar projects on work and well‐being, as do many other developed and developing countries. We can see that the concerns about the health and well‐being of citizens throughout the world have led to increased and sustained research on identifying the sources of stress and lack of well‐being, as well as strategies to cope and deal with them.

In this issue, we have papers exploring the sources of stress and their relationship to actual strain outcomes such as the link between ‘stress, self esteem and childhood acceptances’, ‘job stress, job satisfaction and stress‐related illness’ and ‘role conflicts, emotional exhaustion and health problems’. In addition, we have coping or intervention‐based work on, for example, ‘perceived stress, coping and night‐eating in college students’, ‘emotional disclosure as a coping strategy’ and the like.

The bringing together of the ill health effects of stress, together with the positive psychology orientation of well‐being, is where the future lies in improving the emotional capital and well‐being of people in society. We would like to encourage more papers on the links between stress and well‐being and well‐being more generally, in order to capture what enhances as well as what depletes the mental capital of all of us. As Marcel Proust once wrote about extending our experience, ‘the real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes’.
Noggin Elicits Retinal Fate inXenopusAnimal Cap Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Lan Lei , Vitobello Antonio , Bertacchi Michele , Cremisi Federico , Vignali Robert , Andreazzoli Massimiliano , Demontis Gian Carlo , Barsacchi Giuseppina , Casarosa Simona
Published: July 2009

Driving specific differentiation pathways in multipotent stem cells is a main goal of cell therapy. Here we exploited the differentiating potential of Xenopus animal cap embryonic stem (ACES) cells to investigate the factors necessary to drive multipotent stem cells toward retinal fates. ACES cells are multipotent, and can be diverged from their default ectodermal fate to give rise to cell types from all three germ layers. We found that a single secreted molecule, Noggin, is sufficient to elicit retinal fates in ACES cells. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and in situ hybridization experiments showed that high doses of Noggin are able to support the expression of terminal differentiation markers of the neural retina in ACES cells in vitro. Following in vivo transplantation, ACES cells expressing high Noggin doses form eyes, both in the presumptive eye field region and in ectopic posterior locations. The eyes originating from the transplants in the eye field region are functionally equivalent to normal eyes, as seen by electrophysiology and c-fos expression in response to light. Our data show that in Xenopus embryos, proper doses of a single molecule, Noggin, can drive ACES cells toward retinal cell differentiation without additional cues. This makes Xenopus ACES cells a suitable model system to direct differentiation of stem cells toward retinal fates and encourages further studies on the role of Noggin in the retinal differentiation of mammalian stem cells.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Pulsations in the umbilical vein during labor are associated with increased risk of operative delivery for fetal distress
Authors: Ghosh G. S. , Fu J. , Olofsson P. , Gudmundsson S.
Published: July 2009

Objectives

Under physiological conditions the blood flow velocity waveform in the umbilical vein (UV) has an even non‐pulsating pattern. Pulsations in the UV have been described in human fetuses exposed to chronic hypoxia and heart failure. Current techniques for fetal surveillance during labor and delivery involve a risk of both over‐ and underestimation of fetal hypoxia. We aimed to examine whether pulsations in the UV appear in the human fetus during suspected intrapartum hypoxia, and if so whether they are associated with increased risk of operative delivery for fetal distress (ODFD).

Methods

This was a prospective double blind study including 52 normal pregnancies. A Doppler examination of the UV was performed on 26 fetuses with pathological and 26 fetuses with normal cardiotocography (CTG) during labor. Presence or absence of pulsations in the UV were noted and related to perinatal outcome.

Results

Pulsations in the UV were seen in eight (30.8%) of the fetuses with pathological CTG, of which six (75%) underwent ODFD. No pulsations were seen in the other 18 (69.2%) fetuses with pathological CTG and these were all delivered without ODFD. No pulsations were seen in the UV in the fetuses with normal CTG and these were all delivered without ODFD. Among the fetuses with pathological CTG, there was an increased risk of ODFD in fetuses with vs. those without pulsations in the UV (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Pulsations in the UV can be observed in human fetuses during suspected intrapartum hypoxia and these pulsations are associated with an increased risk of ODFD. Doppler examination of the UV might give important additional information on fetal condition during labor and delivery. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polyacrylonitrile‐Derived 1D Carbon Structures via Template Wetting and Electrospinning
Authors: Khanderi Jayaprakash , Schneider Jörg J.
Published: July 2009

In‐situ polymerisation of acrylonitrile as well as a DMF solution‐phase impregnation of polyacrylonitrile, PAN, in porous aluminium oxide templates (PAOX) to synthesise 2D arranged carbon nanotubes with diameters in the range of 40–200 nm were studied. The preparation of graphitised carbon tubes from polyacrylonitrile consists of two steps, first a low‐temperature crosslinking of aromatic ring units at 250 °C, which is followed by a stepwise high‐temperature pyrolysis (carbonisation) in an inert atmosphere in the temperature range between 600–1100 °C. Finally, a graphitisation step was carried out at high temperature above 1500 °C, which however leads to a complete collapse of the structure due to a solid‐state reaction between the template and the PAN infiltrated in the template pores. X‐ray diffraction of the carbonised PAN tubes in PAOX indicates no graphitisation up to curing temperatures of 750 °C. The process of PAN loading and subsequent polymerisation by thermal curing within PAOX was followed by IR and UV/Vis spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis coupled with mass spectrometry (TGA/MS), XPS spectroscopy as well as combustion analysis. The presence of nitrogen in the final carbonised product was determined.
Synthesis and Structure of a Chiral Copper(II) Sulfate (C3N2H4)3CuSO4 from Achiral Materials
Authors: Liu Xianchun , Xing Yan , Shao Kuizhan , Li Gaijuan , Xu Ning , Ma Ling
Published: July 2009

A novel chiral compound (C3N2H4)3CuSO4 (1) was synthesized at room temperature by using achiral organic amine imidazole as the structure‐directing agent, crystallizing in the chiral space group P212121. Single‐crystal structural analysis reveals that compound 1 consists of alternating CuO2N3 and SO4 units exhibiting a neutral one‐dimensional helical chain.
Common circuit defect of excitatory-inhibitory balance in mouse models of autism
Authors: Gogolla Nadine , LeBlanc Jocelyn J. , Quast Kathleen B. , Südhof Thomas C. , Fagiolini Michela , Hensch Takao K.
Published: July 2009

One unifying explanation for the complexity of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) may lie in the disruption of excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) circuit balance during critical periods of development. We examined whether Parvalbumin (PV)-positive inhibitory neurons, which normally drive experience-dependent circuit refinement (Hensch Nat Rev Neurosci 6:877–888, 1), are disrupted across heterogeneous ASD mouse models. We performed a meta-analysis of PV expression in previously published ASD mouse models and analyzed two additional models, reflecting an embryonic chemical insult (prenatal valproate, VPA) or single-gene mutation identified in human patients (Neuroligin-3, NL-3 R451C). PV-cells were reduced in the neocortex across multiple ASD mouse models. In striking contrast to controls, both VPA and NL-3 mouse models exhibited an asymmetric PV-cell reduction across hemispheres in parietal and occipital cortices (but not the underlying area CA1). ASD mouse models may share a PV-circuit disruption, providing new insight into circuit development and potential prevention by treatment of autism.
Physicochemical and Sensory Quality of Crude Brazilian Pecan Nut Oil during Storage
Authors: Oro Tatiana , Bolini Helena Maria André , Arellano Daniel Barrera , Block Jane Mara
Published: July 2009

The physicochemical and sensory characteristics of pecan nut [Carya illinoensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] oil obtained by cold pressing and stored at room temperature (average of 22.5 °C) in amber glass flasks for 120 days were determined. The pecan nut oil had an iodine value of 98.4; a refraction index at 40 °C of 1.469; saponification value of 184.3 g/100 g; a peroxide value (PV) of 0.55 mequiv O2/kg; an Oil Stability Index (OSI), i.e. an oxidative stability of 9.8 h and an acid value of 0.13 mg KOH/g. During the storage period, changes in the peroxide value (PV), specific extinction (SE) at 232 nm, acid value, and color of the oil were observed but, after 120 days, the oil still had adequate quality characteristics according to the Brazilian legislation for crude oils. Sensory analysis (descriptive profile and acceptance) showed that the sensory characteristics of pecan nut oil were unaltered for up to 60 days of storage. After 90 days, there was a significant increase in oxidized taste and bitterness, with a reduction in nut taste and acceptability of the oil (p ≤ 0.05). After 120 days of storage, sensory changes became more pronounced and were unacceptable. It was concluded that crude pecan nut oil stored in amber glass flasks at room temperature had a shelf life of 90 days.
Uzbekistan: Psychiatry in transition
Authors: Mundt A. , Heinz A. , Ströhle A.
Published: July 2009

The center of a national medical identity in Uzbekistan is Abu Ali Ibn Sina born in 980 AD representing Islamic medicine and scientific universalism. Psychiatric institutions were founded under Russian influence starting in the late 19th century. Today, the great challenge in psychiatry is the development of a post-Soviet identity integrating Russian and Islamic traditions.
Epithelial IgG and its relationship to the loss of F508 in the common mutant form of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator
Authors: Treharne Kate J. , Cassidy Diane , Goddard Catharine , Colledge William H. , Cassidy Andrew , Mehta Anil
Published: July 2009

The most debilitating feature of cystic fibrosis (CF) disease is uncontrolled inflammation of respiratory epithelium. The relationship between the commonest mutated form of CFTR (F508del or ΔF508) and inflammation has not yet been elucidated. Here, we present a new paradigm suggesting that CFTR can interact with intra‐epithelial IgG, establishing a direct link between normal CFTR and the immune system. Further, our data show that the amino‐acid sequence local to F508 can bind IgG with high affinity, dependent on F508, such that loss of F508 abolishes this link both in vitro and in the intact cell.
An unexpected effect of 5‐MCA‐NAT in chick retinal development
Authors: de Fatima Sobral Sampaio Lucia
Published: July 2009

Luzindole is an unselective antagonist of the melatonin receptors and melatonin's other binding sites, although some exceptions have been observed in chick retinal neurodevelopment, where this unselective antagonist does not block melatonin's inhibitory effect on the adenylate cyclase enzyme, probably due to the presence of some other melatonin receptor(s) or binding site(s). The present study investigated the modulation of cyclic adenosine 3′‐5′‐monophosphate (cAMP) levels via MT3 melatonin‐binding sites, located within the QR2 (dihydronicotinamide riboside: quinone oxidoreductase 2) enzyme, by observing the response to luzindole. Embryonic and post‐hatch retinas, incubated with a selective agonist for the MT3 melatonin‐binding site 5‐methoxycarbonylamino‐N‐acetyltryptamine (5‐MCA‐NAT, 10 or 100 nM), had an increase in cAMP accumulation relative to control retinas. Luzindole (5 μM) inhibited the 5‐MCA‐NAT stimulatory effect at all ages tested. The agonist 5‐MCA‐NAT enhanced the melatonin inhibitory effect on cAMP levels stimulated by forskolin (5 μM), but not the stimulatory forskolin effect. The results suggest that MT3 melatonin‐binding sites are present in embryonic and post‐hatch chick retinas and that luzindole more selectively blocks the 5‐MCA‐NAT effect on cAMP accumulation than it blocks the melatonin inhibitory effect via G protein‐coupled receptors in chick retinal neurodevelopment.