bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Various tri(indolyl)methanes were synthesized by condensation of indole and its derivatives with indole‐3‐carboxaldehyde using acidic ionic liquids [hmim]HSO4/EtOH as an efficient and green catalyst system.
Authors: GU Da‐Gong , JI Shun‐Jun
Published: March 2008

Various tri(indolyl)methanes were synthesized by condensation of indole and its derivatives with indole‐3‐carboxaldehyde using acidic ionic liquids [hmim]HSO4/EtOH as an efficient and green catalyst system.
The Role of Zinc(II) in the Absorption–Desorption of CO2 by Aqueous NH3, a Potentially Cost‐Effective Method for CO2 Capture and Recycling
Authors: Mani Fabrizio , Peruzzini Maurizio , Barzagli Francesco
Published: March 2008

The absorption of CO2 by aqueous NH3 solutions has been investigated at atmospheric pressure and 0 °C. The CO2 absorption is fast and occurs with high efficiency (88–99 %). The maximum CO2‐removal efficiency increases slightly with the NH3 concentration. Addition of zinc(II) salts (as chloride, nitrate or sulfate) to the NH3 absorbent solution increases the overall CO2‐absorption capacity without appreciably affecting the removal efficiency. Stripping of pure CO2 from HCO3− solutions is achieved by adding the calculated amount of ZnII salts, which under ambient conditions lead to rapid release of about 30–35 % of the initially captured CO2. At the same time, about 65–70 % of the captured CO2 is transformed into solid basic zinc carbonates. The recovery of these valuable solid products and the release of only 1/3 of free CO2 at room temperature and pressure reduces the cost of the overall process of CO2 capture, making it a potentially attractive method for CO2 capture on a larger scale.
Disparate Scale Nonlinear Interactions in Edge Turbulence
Authors: Yagi M. , Itoh S.‐I. , Itoh K. , Diamond P.H.
Published: March 2008

In this topical review, we explain the recent achievement in the study of nonlinear interactions, putting an emphasis on the relevance to edge turbulence. First, we start from the survey of the essence in the nonlinear theory of drift wave ‐zonal flows systems, and visit the experimental observations of the nonlinear interactions of tokamak edge turbulence. Secondly, the universality of intermittent convective transport in the SOL of different magnetic devices are shown. Then, we discuss evolution of collisional drift wave instability in the linear plasma configuration, which is bounded by end plates having analogy to SOL plasmas. By introducing the Numerical Linear Device, the intermittent evolution of large‐amplitude instabilities, generation mechanism of the poloidal flow and other nonlinear process are examined. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Suite of Verification Test Problems for Edge Turbulence Simulations
Authors: Umansky M. V. , Cohen R. H. , LoDestro L. L. , Xu X. Q.
Published: March 2008

We present a suite of test problems that are used for verification of the edge turbulence code BOUT. BOUT is an electromagnetic fluid turbulence code for tokamak edge plasma that performs time integration of reduced Braginskii plasma fluid equations, using spatial discretization in realistic geometry and employing a standard ODE integration package PVODE. Recently the code underwent a substantial redesign and extensive verification testing. In the verification process, a series of linear and nonlinear test problems was applied to BOUT targeting different subgroups of physical terms. The tests include reproducing basic electrostatic and electromagnetic plasma modes in simplified geometry, axisymmetric benchmarks against the 2D edge code UEDGE in the actual DIII‐D tokamak divertor geometry. Successful passing of these tests by BOUT gives strong evidence that equations in the code are solved correctly. Although the tests were developed specifically for the BOUT code they can well be applied for verification of other codes used for simulations of edge turbulence. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Intermittent Turbulence in the Linear VINETA Device
Authors: Kervalishvili G. N. , Kleiber R. , Schneider R. , Scott B. D. , Grulke O. , Windisch T.
Published: March 2008

Drift‐wave turbulence in the linear VINETA [1] device was studied using the adapted version [2] of the threedimensional gyrofluid code GEM3 [3]. The density and parallel velocity gyrofluid equations of electrons and ions for the cylindrical annulus are solved. It is shown that the code is able to reproduce the main experimental signatures of intermittency. The influence of the interaction of the plasma with neutrals – the so‐called ‘neutral wind’ – on the intermittent turbulence in VINETA is discussed. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
On the Mechanisms of Generation of Meso‐Scale Convective Structures in Tokamak Edge Plasma
Authors: Bodi K. , Krasheninnikov S. I. , Smolyakov A. I.
Published: March 2008

Meso‐scale structures, driven by curvature and gradB effects, like blobs and ELMs play a very important role in edge and SOL plasma transport in tokamaks. Here we discuss rather simple model describing the formation of blobs. The model is based on coupled drift‐wave and ballooning effects. Both analytic and preliminary numerical results are reported. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Radial Eigenmodes of Geodesic Acoustic Modes
Authors: Sasaki M. , Itoh K. , Ejiri A. , Takase Y.
Published: March 2008

The radial eigenmode of the geodesic acoustic mode (GAM) is investigated, taking into account the finite ion Larmor radius effect. The radial eigenfunction and the eigenfrequency (real frequency and damping rate) are obtained numerically. The eigenfrequency is found to be not continuous, but discrete. In addition, we obtain an analytic expression for the real eigenfrequency, which shows good agreement with numerical results. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Modelling of the Radial Electric Field in the ASDEX Upgrade Ohmic Shots
Authors: Rozhansky V. , Kaveeva E. , Voskoboynikov S. , Coster D. P. , ASDEX Upgrade Team
Published: March 2008

Several ASDEX‐Upgrade Ohmic shots with different densities and temperatures corresponding to different collisionality regimes at the separatrix were simulated with transport code B2SOLPS5.0. The expression for the parallel viscosity was extended to be consistent with the neoclassical electric field in all collisionality regimes including plateau and banana regimes. It is demonstrated that for all shots in the core region deeper than the viscous layer (of the order of 1cm inside the separatrix) the relation between the radial electric field, parallel velocity, density and temperature gradients is close to the neoclassical one. This is consistent with the results of many simulations performed earlier for the collisional regimes. The contribution from the toroidal velocity, which is generated in the SOL and transported further to the core, to the radial electric field profile is found to be modest and comparable with density and temperature gradient contribution. The simulation results do not reproduce the dependence of the poloidal velocity of the turbulence on the collisionality measured in [1] deep inside the core. On the other hand, the shape of the radial electric field in the separatrix vicinity both inside and outside the separatrix is consistent with the measured poloidal rotation velocity of the turbulence. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
On Kinetic Effects during Parallel Transport in the SOL
Authors: Tskhakaya D. , Subba F. , Bonnin X. , Coster D. P. , Fundamenski W. , Pitts R. A. , JET EFDA Contributors
Published: March 2008

1D kinetic (PIC) and fluid simulations have been performed in order to study boundary conditions and heat flux and viscosity limiting coefficients in the inter‐ELM and ELMy SOLs. Simulated plasma parameters correspond to the JET SOL under different conditions. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Neutral Particle Behavior in Divertor Simulator MAP‐II
Authors: Matsuura H. , Kado S. , Kuwahara Y.
Published: March 2008

Neutral particle behavior in the linear divertor simulator material and plasma(MAP)‐II is studied with Monte Carlo simulation code DEGAS. Various model cases are simulated to compare the results with the attached and detached plasma condition. Neutral particle distribution depends upon the location of particle sources/sinks. H alpha spectra shape depends also upon plasma temperature and density and there exist a few dominant pathways to produce excited H atoms. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Benchmarking Kinetic and Fluid Neutral Models with Drift Effects
Authors: Hoshino K. , Toma M. , Hatayama A. , Coster D. P. , Bonnin X. , Schneider R. , Kawashima H. , Asakura N. , Suzuki Y.
Published: March 2008

A kinetic neutral model and a fluid neutral model have been benchmarked under the detachment condition. The upstream radial profiles of basic plasma and neutral parameters with the fluid neutral model are carefully fitted to that with the kinetic model, while no such an attempt has been made in the divertor region as a first step of the benchmark study with the effects of drifts. At the mid‐plane, no significant effects of the drifts on the radial profile of the basic plasma parameters are seen. However, in the divertor region, large differences of the benchmark result are seen even without the effects of drift. Effects of drift tend to enlarge the difference. Therefore, improvement of the fluid neutral model or optimizations of the free parameters are needed to analyze the effects of drifts in the divertor region, especially for the detached state. Otherwise, the kinetic model should be used to analyze the divertor characteristics even without the effects of drifts. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Plasma‐Neutral Interaction in Kinetic Models for the Divertor Region
Authors: Taccogna F. , Schneider R. , Matyash K. , Longo S. , Capitelli M. , Tshakaya D.
Published: March 2008

The coupled dynamics and kinetics between gas and plasma in the sheath region in the divertor is studied by means of a one‐dimensional Particle in Cell‐Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (PIC‐DSMC) model. In particular, the electron‐induced vibrational excitation/relaxation of H2 molecules and particle‐surface interaction (vibrational relaxation, atom recombination, ion neutralization, direct negative ion production) have been considered in detail in view to estimate the importance of plasma volumetric recombination by molecular assisted reactions (MAR) and the possible electron heating near the wall. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Simulation Study of Radiative Cooling in the Divertor on JT‐60 Super Advanced (JT‐60SA)
Authors: Suzuki Y. , Kawashima H. , Coster D. P. , Sakurai S. , Shimizu K. , Takizuka T.
Published: March 2008

A simulation study of the divertor for JT‐60SA is discussed in both double‐null (DN) and single‐null (SN) configurations. In the DN case, the transition of peak heat load on the targets and divertor plasma states from CDN (connected double‐null) to DDN (disconnected double‐null) are shown in the simulation. The radiative cooling power in the divertor plasma is discussed in this study. The carbon impurity generated by the sputtering on the divertor target is included in the simulation. In the gas puffing cases of fueling gas (D2) and impurity gas (Ne), the reduction of heat load is confirmed consistently with increasing the radiative cooling loss power in the diverter plasma. The loss power and the distribution of radiative cooling in the divertor plasma are studied in this paper. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Progress in Edge Plasma Transport Modeling on JET
Authors: Fundamenski W. , Coster D. P. , Airila M. , Belo P. , Bonnin X. , Chankin A. , Corrigan G. , Erents S. K. , Garcia O. E. , Glowacz S. , Gulejova B. , Kirschner A. , Naulin V. , Nielsen A. , Kirnev G. , Kotov V. , Konz C. , Rasmussen J. J. , Pitts R. A. , Reiter D. , Ribeiro T. , Scott B. D. , Strachan J. D. , Subba F. , Tsitrone E. , Tskhakaya D. , Wiesen S. , Wischmeier M. , Zagórski R. , EFDA‐JET Contributors
Published: March 2008

Recent progress in edge plasma modeling on the JET tokamak is briefly, and somewhat selectively, reviewed. This ongoing modeling activity is aimed at developing a predictive capability for ITER based on numerical models verified and validated upon JET experimental data. Topics include both steady‐state and transient particle and power exhaust, the effect of edge/SOL turbulence and edge localized modes, and first wall material migration. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Integrated ELM Simulation with Edge MHD Stability and Transport of SOL‐Divertor Plasmas
Authors: Hayashi N. , Takizuka T. , Aiba N. , Ozeki T. , Oyama N.
Published: March 2008

The effect of the pressure profile on the energy loss caused by edge localized modes (ELMs) has been investigated by using an integrated simulation code TOPICS‐IB based on a core transport code with a stability code for the peeling‐ballooning modes and a transport model for scrape‐off‐layer and divertor plasmas. The steep pressure gradient inside the pedestal top is found to broaden the region of the ELM enhanced transport through the broadening of eigenfunctions and enhance the ELM energy loss. The ELM energy loss in the simulation becomes larger than 15 % of the pedestal energy, as is shown in the database of multi‐machine experiments. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of Radial Transport Loss on the Asymmetry of ELM Heat Flux
Authors: Takizuka T. , Oyama N. , Hosokawa M.
Published: March 2008

The dynamics of SOL‐divertor plasmas after an ELM crash is studied with a one‐dimensional particle simulation code, PARASOL. The ELM crash occurs off‐centrally in the SOL region, and the ELM heat flux to the near divertor plate and that to the far divertor plate become asymmetric. The peak heat flux to the near plate is larger as compared to the far plate. The asymmetry in the peak heat flux increases with the connection‐length ratio. The imbalance in the heat deposition, however, is small. The radial transport loss of ELM flux creates the asymmetry in the heat deposition, but the imbalance is still not large even for the large radial transport loss rate. The electron heat flux to the far plate brought by the SOL current is one of the causes of a small imbalance in the heat deposition. Another cause is the asymmetric SOL flow and its convective heat flux, whose stagnation point stays for a long period near the ELM crash location. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Guiding Center Orbit Studies in a Tokamak Edge Geometry Employing Boozer and Cartesian Coordinate
Authors: Nishimura Y. , Xiao Y. , Lin Z.
Published: March 2008

Guiding center Monte‐Carlo codes (GCMC) in both open and closed field line regions in the tokamak edge geometry are developed for the future applications in examining the integration of core and edge turbulence transport simulations. Introducing a simple analytical model for the edge geometry, the orbital studies are presented. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Modelling of Impurity Transport in Ergodic Layer of LHD
Authors: Kobayashi M. , Feng Y. , Masuzaki S. , Morisaki T. , Ohyabu N. , Yamada H. , Komori A. , Motojima O. , LHD experimental Group
Published: March 2008

The impurity transport properties in the ergodic layer of LHD are analyzed by the 3D edge transport code as well as 1D simple model, which is used to illustrate the essential transport terms in the analysis. It is found that as the plasma density increases the edge surface layers, very edge region of the ergodic layer, enters friction dominant regime, resulting in impurity retention. It is considered that the cause for the retention is both temperature drop and the flow acceleration in the edge surface layers. The edge surface layers can provide effective retention of impurities coming from divertor as well as the first wall, because of the geometrical advantage of the edge region of LHD. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
0‐D Modeling of Fast Radiative Shutdown of Tokamak Discharges Following Massive Gas Injection
Authors: Hollmann E. M. , Parks P. B. , Scott H. A.
Published: March 2008

0‐D modeling of fast radiative shutdowns of tokamak discharges following massive gas injection is presented. Realistic neutral deposition rates are used together with a 1‐D diffusive model to estimate impurity deposition into the plasma. Non‐coronal radiation rates including opacity are used, as are induced wall currents, wall impurity radiation, and neutral and neoclassical corrections to plasma resistivity. The 0‐D modeling is found to reproduce the shutdown timescale and free electron density rise seen in DIII‐D argon injection experiments well. Opacity, wall currents, and wall impurities can all have a significant (>10%) impact on simulated timescales. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Numerical Modeling of Behavior of Dust Made of Different Materials in Plasmas
Authors: Tanaka Y. , Pigarov A. Yu. , Smirnov R. D. , Krasheninnikov S. I. , Ohno N. , Uesugi Y.
Published: March 2008

Behavior of dust particles made of different materials such as Li, Be, B, C, Fe, Mo or W were simulated using the DUSTT code modified to treat transition between solid and liquid phases. The inherent properties of materials such as specific heat capacity, work function affecting electron emission, thermal radiation emissivity, etc. influence the dynamic behavior of dusts in plasmas. Using the modified DUSTT code, penetration of dust particles into core plasmas through SOL plasmas was numerically studied in realistic tokamak devices. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Dendritic cells in colonic patches and iliac lymph nodes are essential in mucosal IgA induction following intrarectal administration via CCR7 interaction
Authors: Lee Ah‐Young , Chang Sun‐Young , Kim Jung‐Im , Cha Hye‐Ran , Jang Myoung Ho , Yamamoto Masafumi , Kweon Mi‐Na
Published: March 2008

This study examined dendritic cells (DC) following intrarectal (IR) vaccination with the mucosal adjuvant cholera toxin (CT). Three rounds of IR vaccination with ovalbumin (OVA) and CT resulted in brisk levels of systemic and mucosal Ig responses. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that CD11c+ MHC class II+ cells accumulated primarily in the colonic patches (CP) and lamina propria of the large intestine (LI‐LP), iliac LN (ILN) and MLN following IR vaccination with CT. Adoptively transferred CFSE‐labeled OVA‐specific CD4+ T cells proliferated significantly, secreting predominantly Th1‐type cytokines in the CP (48 h after IR vaccination with CT) and Th2‐type cytokines in the ILN (96 h after IR vaccination with CT). Following three IR vaccinations, CP‐null mice that were generated by in utero treatment with anti‐IL‐7R Ab showed reduced levels of serum IgG and fecal IgA antibodies, suggesting a crucial role for CP in the initiation of systemic and mucosal immune responses. Of most interest, IR vaccination reduced IgA levels in fecal extracts significantly more in the CCR7–/– mice than in the wild‐type mice. These results indicate that IR vaccination primarily mobilizes CD11c+ cells in the CP and ILN to induce optimal mucosal immune responses by CCR7 interaction.
Recombinase‐deficient T cell development by selective accumulation of CD3 into lipid rafts
Authors: Ferrera Denise , Panigada Maddalena , Porcellini Simona , Grassi Fabio
Published: March 2008

The pre‐T cell receptor (pre‐TCR) promotes the development of thymocytes with productive rearrangement at the TCR β chain locus by signaling in a ligand‐independent fashion. The TCR β chain associates with the invariant pre‐Tα (pTα) chain, which bears specific charged residues in the extracellular portion mediating pre‐TCR self‐oligomerization. In recombinase‐deficient thymocytes, calnexin (CNX) associated with CD3 chains is inefficiently retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and weakly expressed in the plasma membrane. Deliberate cross‐linking of CNX/CD3 complexes mimics pre‐TCR signaling. Here, we show that, analogously to the pTα chain, surface CNX is palmitoylated and that CD3 prominently accumulated in lipid rafts upon cross‐linking. Mutant CNX isoforms devoid of ER retention determined pre‐TCR‐like signaling and simulated β selection only when stably translocating CD3 to lipid rafts. Inclusion of the palmitoylated cytoplasmic tail from the pTα chain in recombinant CNX strikingly improved the pre‐TCR‐like signaling efficiency of CNX/CD3 in rafts. This study indicates that lipid rafts in the plasma membrane represent proficient microdomains for the initiation of pre‐TCR signaling, and supports the view that β selection by oligomerized pre‐TCR is implemented by the pTα cytoplasmic tail.
Characterisation of murine MICL (CLEC12A) and evidence for an endogenous ligand
Authors: Pyż Elwira , Huysamen Cristal , Marshall Andrew S. J. , Gordon Siamon , Taylor Philip R. , Brown Gordon D.
Published: March 2008

Inhibitory receptors are required for the control of cellular activation and they play essential roles in regulating homeostasis and immunity. We previously identified a human inhibitory C‐type lectin‐like receptor, MICL (CLEC12A), a heavily glycosylated monomer predominantly expressed on myeloid cells. Here we characterise the murine homolog of MICL (mMICL), and demonstrate that the receptor is structurally and functionally similar to the human orthologue (hMICL), although there are some notable differences. mMICL is expressed as a dimer and is not heavily glycosylated; however, like hMICL, the receptor can recruit inhibitory phosphatases upon activation, and is down‐regulated on leukocytes following stimulation with selected TLR agonists. Using novel monoclonal antibodies, we demonstrate that, like the human receptor, mMICL is predominantly expressed by myeloid cells. However, mMICL is also expressed by B cells and CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood, and NK cells in the bone marrow. Finally, we show that mMICL recognises an endogenous ligand in a variety of murine tissues, suggesting that the receptor plays a role in homeostasis.
Nanoscale actuation of electrokinetic flows on thermoreversible surfaces
Authors: Paumier Guillaume , Sudor Jan , Gue Anne‐Marie , Vinet Françoise , Li Meng , Chabal Yves J. , Estève Alain , Djafari‐Rouhani Mehdi
Published: March 2008

We report on a novel approach for controlling nanohydrodynamic properties at the solid–liquid interfaces through the use of stimuli‐responding polymer coatings. The end‐tethered polymers undergo a phase separation upon external activation. The reversible change in the thickness and polarity of the grafted polymers yields in a dynamic control of the surface‐generated, electrokinetic phenomena. Nonactivated, swollen polymers are thicker than the electrical double layer (EDL) and prohibit the development of an EOF even on charged surfaces. On the other hand, activated polymer chains shrink and become thinner than the EDL and allow for the EOF to build up unimpeded. We show here that, for given experimental conditions, the EOF velocity on the shrunken surface is 35 times greater than the one on the nonactivated surface. Furthermore, we reveal that coupling of such surfaces with dense arrays of thermal actuators developed in our laboratory can lead to novel micro‐ and nanofluidic devices.
Erythropoietin ameliorates chemotherapy‐induced fibrosis of the lungs in a preclinical murine model
Authors: Sigounas George , Salleng Kenneth J. , Mehlhop Paul D. , Sigounas Dimitri G.
Published: March 2008

Organ toxicity induced by chemotherapeutic drugs is a serious obstacle in the effective treatment of patients suffering from cancer and autoimmune disease. A strong association exists between pulmonary toxicity, particularly fibrosis, and chemotherapeutic drugs. Attempts have been made to identify compounds capable of suppressing fibrosis. In addition to its erythropoietic activity, erythropoietin (EPO) has been shown to have effects on nonhemopoietic cells. Therefore, we postulated that EPO may exert beneficial effects on lung tissue during chemotherapy. To test our hypothesis, we investigated pulmonary changes caused by bleomycin, a fibrosis‐inducing agent, in animals treated with the drug alone and in combination with EPO. Fibrosis, cellular alterations and structural changes were assayed by blind analysis of the lung sections. A 6‐fold decrease in the number of prominent endothelial cells—suspected to be indicative of cellular activation and inflammatory response—was observed in lung sections derived from mice treated with bleomycin and EPO compared to animals injected with bleomycin alone (p< 0.008). Additionally, there was twice the number of ICAM1‐positive endothelial cells in animals treated with bleomycin alone compared with the number in the bleomycin and EPO‐treated group (p< 0.05). Alveolar mononuclear phagocytic hyperplasia was reduced by as much as 100% in animals treated with bleomycin and EPO compared to animals treated with bleomycin alone (p< 0.03). Finally, a 5‐fold decrease in interstitial fibrosis was observed in lung sections obtained from animals treated with bleomycin and EPO (p< 0.02). We conclude that EPO can ameliorate drug‐induced fibrosis and endothelial damage caused by chemotherapeutic agents. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prediction of diagnosis of immunoglobulin a nephropathy prior to renal biopsy and correlation with urinary sediment findings and prognostic grading
Authors: Nakayama Kazutaka , Ohsawa Isao , Maeda‐Ohtani Atsuko , Murakoshi Maki , Horikoshi Satoshi , Tomino Yasuhiko
Published: March 2008

Several clinical markers correlate well with the diagnosis and prognosis of IgA nephropathy (IgAN). In the present study, we re‐evaluated the usefulness of these four clinical markers for prediction of the diagnosis of patients with IgAN through a comparison between many more patients with IgAN and those with other types of renal diseases. 364 patients with IgAN and 289 with other types of renal disease were examined. An analysis was performed prior to renal biopsy, using clinical markers including, serum IgA, serum IgA/C3 ratio, number of red blood cells in urinary sediments, and urinary protein. Patients with IgAN were divided into four groups according to histopathological findings. Presence of microscopic hematuria, persistent proteinuria, high serum IgA levels, and the serum IgA/C3 ratios are useful for prediction of diagnosis of IgAN and distinguishing it from other renal diseases. Blood pressure, urinary protein, serum uric acid, renal function, and urinary sediment findings may be useful for prediction of prognostic grading in patients with IgAN. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 22:114–118, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detection and significance of serum protein markers of small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Han Mingyong , Liu Qi , Yu Jiekai , Zheng Shu
Published: March 2008

Currently, no satisfactory biomarkers are available to screen for small‐cell lung cancer (SCLC). We applied a surface‐enhanced laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (SELDI‐TOF MS) ProteinChip system to detect 150 serum samples (including 54 SCLC patients, 24 non‐small cell lung cancer [NSCLC] patients, 32 pneumonia patients, and 40 healthy individuals). The spectra data were analyzed by support vector machine (SVM) and potential biomarkers were chosen for the system training and used to construct diagnostic model. Pattern 1, constructed of four protein peaks with mass/charge (m/z) of 4,293 Da, 4,612 Da, 6,455 Da, and 7,582 Da, separated SCLC patients from the healthy individuals with a sensitivity of 88.9% and a specificity of 85.7%. This pattern performed significantly better than the current marker, neuron‐specific enolase (NSE) (P<0.05). Pattern 2, constructed of protein peaks with mass/charge (m/z) of 2,764 Da and 1,7368 Da, separated SCLC from pneumonia with a sensitivity of 88.9% and a specificity of 91.7%. Pattern 3, constructed of another three protein peaks with m/z of 3,912 Da, 7,562 Da, and 13,777 Da, separated SCLC from NSCLC. The sensitivity and specificity were 83.3% and 75.0%, respectively. These results suggested that SELDI‐TOF MS combined with support vector machine yields significantly higher sensitivity and specificity for the detection of serum protein of SCLC. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 22:131–137, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gamma heavy chain disease in a patient with diabetes and chronic renal insufficiency: diagnostic assessment of the heavy chain fragment
Authors: Lee Maria Teresa , Parwani Anil , Humphrey Richard , Hamilton Robert G. , Myers Donna I. , Detrick Barbara
Published: March 2008

Heavy chain diseases are rare B‐cell disorders that are characterized by an overproduction of abnormal and structurally incomplete monoclonal immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy chains and are devoid of light chains. We describe a case of a 62 year‐old African‐American woman with a long history of poorly controlled type 2 diabetes and subsequent probable diabetic nephropathy, hypertension, and recent onset of peripheral neuropathy involving all extremities. Routine laboratory testing revealed a distinct beta spike by urine protein electrophoresis (UPEP). No serum abnormality was noted on serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP). Serum and urine immunofixation demonstrated an IgG heavy chain protein devoid of any corresponding light chains. IgG subclasses identified IgG1 as the predominant IgG component but when we added all the subclasses, the sum, 683.4 mg/dL, failed to come close to our total IgG of 1,770 mg/dL. Therefore, a urine IgG subclass determination was performed in‐house and we identified a subclass 3 gamma chain. In conclusion, we portray a patient with an underlying monoclonal gamma heavy chain disease (HCD) who presented with a complex medical history. The evaluation of IgG subclasses in the context of a HCD may be limited by the capability of the test to recognize the particular IgG fragment. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 22:146–150, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A comparison of four methods for assessing natural helping ability
Authors: Stahl Jessica V. , Hill Clara E.
Published: March 2008

The current study was designed to compare four possible methods of identifying natural helpers: a self‐report measure of natural helping ability, ratings by others of helping ability based on two 10‐minute helping sessions, self‐report on measures assessing theoretically‐derived constructs related to natural helping, and a self‐report of intent to pursue a helping career. On the basis of a correlational analysis, we found the most support for the self‐report measure of natural helping ability and intent to pursue a helping career. Implications for research and training are provided. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
What is an empowerment approach to working with sexual assault survivors?
Authors: Ullman Sarah E. , Townsend Stephanie M.
Published: March 2008

This exploratory study sought to better understand what constitutes the empowerment approach used by rape crisis advocates working with sexual assault survivors. A grounded theory, qualitative, semistructured interview study was conducted of rape victim advocates (N=25) working in rape crisis centers in a large metropolitan area. Several characteristics were described as reflecting an empowerment orientation or approach to work with survivors, some of which were specifically described as a “feminist” empowerment approach. Implications for research and practice are drawn. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effects of job demands and low job control on work–family conflict: the role of fairness in decision making and management
Authors: Heponiemi Tarja , Elovainio Marko , Pekkarinen Laura , Sinervo Timo , Kouvonen Anne
Published: March 2008

The present study examined whether perceptions of organizational fairness (the procedural and interactional components) were able to diminish the negative effects of high job demands and low job control on the balance between work and family. The study participants were 713 women working in long‐term care for elderly people in Finland. The results showed that high job demands, low job control, and unfair decision making were associated with high levels of time‐based work interference with family (WIF). Perceptions of organizational fairness were found to partially mediate the association between job control and WIF. In addition, fair treatment and management protected against WIF when demands were low but were unable to buffer against the negative effects of high job demands. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of partial filling MEKC analyses of steroids with use of ESI‐MS and UV spectrophotometry
Authors: Amundsen Lotta K. , Kokkonen Juha T. , Sirén Heli
Published: March 2008

Until now, partial filling micellar EKC–ESI‐MS (PF‐MEKC–ESI‐MS) has seldom been applied for human biomolecules. In this study, determination of three electrically neutral endogenous steroid hormones, namely androstenedione, testosterone, and epitestosterone, by PF‐MEKC–ESI‐MS was investigated. Since ESI‐MS and ESI‐MS/MS behaviors of testosterone and epitestosterone proved to be nearly identical, efficient separation of the two compounds was required to obtain reliable identification. The chemical conditions as well as the instrumental parameters affecting the PF‐MEKC–ESI‐MS analysis were researched. In optimal conditions, ESI‐MS showed excellent selectivity, and all the steroids could be identified using SIM. LODs were 0.75–5 μg/mL. The results obtained by PF‐MEKC–ESI‐MS were compared with those obtained by corresponding PF‐MEKC–UV. PF‐MEKC–UV provided better resolution, repeatability, and more than ten‐fold higher sensitivity, in terms of LODs, than PF‐MEKC–ESI‐MS. The reasons for this were carefully examined. In comparison with PF‐MEKC–UV, PF‐MEKC–ESI‐MS suffered from greater band broadening owing to the sheath–liquid interface. Resolution was also decreased owing to the elevated capillary temperature. Finally, we discovered that in the analysis of electrically neutral compounds, in‐capillary sample concentration by micellar sweeping could be more efficiently utilized in PF‐MEKC–UV than in PF‐MEKC–ESI‐MS.
Biodegradable Nanoparticles of Partially Methylated Fungal Poly(β‐L‐malic acid) as a Novel Protein Delivery Carrier
Authors: Portilla‐Arias José A. , García‐Alvarez Montserrat , Galbis Juan A. , Muñoz‐Guerra Sebastián
Published: March 2008

The preparation of nanoparticles from 75% methylated poly(β‐L‐malic acid) is described. Their degradation in aqueous environments was examined and the influence of pH and lipase on the rate of hydrolysis was evaluated. Six proteins were used to estimate the loading efficiency of the nanoparticles. The amount of protein retained in the nanoparticles was found to depend on the acid/basic character of the protein. Protein release from the loaded nanoparticles upon incubation in water under physiological conditions encompassed polymer hydrolysis and happened steadily within 3–10 d. The activity loss of entrapped α‐chymotrypsin caused by loading and releasing depended on the method used for loading.

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Quality Concepts for the Improved Use of Recycled Polymeric Materials: A Review
Authors: Vilaplana Francisco , Karlsson Sigbritt
Published: March 2008

Polymeric waste materials should be considered resources for the manufacture of new products through recycling processes, with a similar status to virgin fossil‐based plastics and biopolymers from renewable resources. Several efforts can be made to achieve this qualitative quantum leap in plastics recycling, and consequently introduce recycled products, with competitive performance, to the market. Scientific knowledge about the degradation processes during the life cycle and the development of fast and reliable analytical methods for the quality assessment of recycled plastics are fundamental to guarantee their performance in new applications. Different strategies—restabilisation, rebuilding, compatibilisation, and addition of elastomers and fillers—can be used to upgrade the structure and properties of polymeric waste streams. This review discusses recent developments in the mechanical recycling of plastics, focusing on how to produce quality materials from waste streams and, thus, contribute to a sustainable management of resources and energy.

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Shaping Polymer Particles by Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Zhang Shanju , Kumar Satish
Published: March 2008

We report the formation of poly(propylene) spherical and ellipsoidal particles templated by carbon nanotubes via solution crystallization. With an increase in nanotube loading, the particle shape changes from sphere to ellipsoid. In the intermediate concentration range, both spherical and ellipsoidal shapes coexist. The particle size decreases with an increase in nanotube loading.

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Synthesis of Well‐Defined Rod‐Coil Diblock Copolymer of Aromatic Polyether and Polyacrylonitrile by Chain‐Growth Condensation Polymerization and Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization
Authors: Ajioka Naomi , Yokoyama Akihiro , Yokozawa Tsutomu
Published: March 2008

The synthesis of diblock copolymers of aromatic polyether and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) was conducted by chain‐growth condensation polymerization (CGCP) and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) from an orthogonal initiator. When CGCP for aromatic polyether was carried out from a PAN macroinitiator obtained by ATRP with an orthogonal initiator, decomposition of the PAN backbone occurred. However, when ATRP of acrylonitrile was conducted from an aromatic polyether macroinitiator obtained by CGCP followed by introduction of an ATRP initiator unit, the polymerization proceeded in a well‐controlled manner to yield aromatic polyether‐block‐polyacrylonitrile (polyether‐b‐PAN) with low polydispersity. This block copolymer self‐assembled in N,N‐dimethylformamide to form bundle‐like or spherical aggregates, depending on the length of the PAN units in the block copolymer.

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The factorial structure of the Suicide Intent Scale: a comparative study in clinical samples from 11 European regions
Authors: Antretter E. , Dunkel D. , Haring C. , Corcoran P. , De Leo D. , Fekete S. , Hawton K. , Kerkhof A.J.F.M. , Lönnqvist J. , Renberg E. Salander , Schmidtke A. , Van Heeringen K. , Wasserman D.
Published: March 2008

Although the Suicide Intent Scale (SIS) is a widely used instrument in research on suicidal behavior, comparative research on the latent structure of the SIS has been neglected. To determine whether a general factor model of the SIS is supported, alternative factor models of the SIS were evaluated comparatively in 11 clinical samples. The SIS was applied as part of a structured clinical interview to patients after an episode of non‐fatal suicidal behavior. The samples were drawn from 11 study centers within the frame of the WHO/EURO multicenter study on suicidal behavior. Three different two‐factor and two three‐factor models of the SIS were examined in each sample using principal component analysis with orthogonal Procrustes rotation. The factorial structure of the ‘subjective part’ of the SIS (items 9–14) was strongly supported, whereas an acceptable model fit for the ‘objective part’ was not found. Possible future revisions of ‘objective’ SIS items may be worth consideration. As a limitation, the results of the study might not generalize to other samples that use different definitions of non‐fatal suicidal behavior. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An artificial compressibility algorithm for modelling natural convection in saturated packed pebble beds: A heterogeneous approach
Authors: Visser C. J. , Malan A. G. , Meyer J. P.
Published: March 2008

This work is concerned with the modelling of heat and fluid flow through saturated packed pebble beds. A volume‐averaged set of local thermal disequilibrium governing equations is employed to describe the latter as a heterogeneous porous medium with porosity varying from 0.39 to 0.99. The thermal disequilibrium approach, together with stated porosity upper limit, allows for the modelling of wall effects such as wall channeling and wall–bed radiative heat transfer. The resulting set of coupled non‐linear partial differential equations is solved via a locally preconditioned artificial compressibility method, where spatial discretization is effected with a compact finite volume edge‐based discretization scheme. The latter was done in the interest of accuracy. Stabilization is effected via JST scalar‐valued artificial dissipation. This is the first instance in which an artificial compressibility algorithm is applied to modelling heat and fluid flow through heterogeneous porous materials. For this reason, special attention was given to the calculation of acoustic velocities, stabilization scaling factors, as well as allowable time‐step sizes. The developed technology is validated by application to the modelling of a number of benchmark test cases. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Automatic adaptive FE analysis of thin‐walled structures using 3D solid elements
Authors: Lee C. K. , Xu Q. X.
Published: March 2008

In this study, a new automatic adaptive refinement procedure for thin‐walled structures using 3D solid elements is suggested. This procedure employs a specially designed superconvergent patch recovery (SPR) procedure for stress recovery, the Zienkiewicz and Zhu (Z–Z) error estimator for the a posteriori error estimation, a new refinement strategy for new element size prediction and a special mesh generator for adaptive mesh generation. The proposed procedure is different from other schemes in such a way that the problem domain is separated into two distinct parts: the shell part and the junction part. For stress recovery and error estimation in the shell part, special nodal coordinate systems are used and the stress field is separated into two components. For the refinement strategy, different procedures are employed for the estimation of new element sizes in the shell and the junction parts. Numerical examples are given to validate the effectiveness of the suggested procedure. It is found that by using the suggested refinement procedure, when comparing with uniform refinement, higher convergence rates were achieved and more accurate final solutions were obtained by using fewer degrees of freedoms and less amount of computational time. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Remarkable postbuckling paths analyzed by means of the consistently linearized eigenproblem
Authors: Steinboeck A. , Jia X. , Hoefinger G. , Rubin H. , Mang H. A.
Published: March 2008

In addition to the determination of load levels at critical points of stability problems, frequently the postbuckling behavior is of interest. For non‐linear problems, the so‐called consistently linearized eigenvalue problem is a suitable tangent linearization method, which facilitates determination of stability limits. The solution process of the eigenproblem is significantly simplified by appropriate coordinate transformations. Within this process, characteristic shapes of eigenvalue curves allow identification of bifurcation buckling modes, snap‐through modes, and hilltop buckling modes. Mathematical properties of the eigenvalue curves are addressed and conclusions regarding the shape of postbuckling paths are drawn. Considerations also touch upon the conversion from imperfection sensitivity into insensitivity. The theoretical findings are corroborated by examples dealing with a von Mises truss and a similar discrete system, showing a remarkable postbuckling behavior such as a zero‐stiffness equilibrium path. For both systems, the same approach of stiffness increase allows conversion from imperfection sensitivity into insensitivity. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An efficient discontinuous Galerkin method on triangular meshes for a pedestrian flow model
Authors: Xia Yinhua , Wong S. C. , Zhang Mengping , Shu Chi‐Wang , Lam William H. K.
Published: March 2008

In this paper, we develop a discontinuous Galerkin method on triangular meshes to solve the reactive dynamic user equilibrium model for pedestrian flows. The pedestrian density in this model is governed by the conservation law in which the flow flux is implicitly dependent on the density through the Eikonal equation. To solve the Eikonal equation efficiently at each time level, we use the fast sweeping method. Two numerical examples are then used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the algorithm. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the long‐time stability of a backward Euler scheme for Burgers' equation with polynomial force
Authors: Djoko J.K.
Published: March 2008

In this work we examine the stability of a finite difference approximation for Burgers' equation. More precisely, we consider a Backward Euler discretization scheme in time and approximated the nonlinear term by a linear expression using techniques from 15. The boundedness of the solution sequence with respect to Δt for t ε [0,∞) is proved with the help of the discrete Gronwall lemmas. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 2008
Loss of 9p leads to p16INK4A down‐regulation and enables RB/E2F1‐dependent cell cycle promotion in gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs)
Authors: Haller F , Löbke C , Ruschhaupt M , Cameron S , Schulten H‐J , Schwager S , von Heydebreck A , Gunawan B , Langer C , Ramadori G , Sültmann H , Poustka A , Korf U , Füzesi L
Published: March 2008

Loss of chromosome 9p is a reliable predictor of malignant behaviour in gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs). p16INK4A located at 9p21 inhibits the CDK4/6/cyclin D complex from phosphorylating RB. Phosphorylation of RB through CDK4/6/cyclin D in early G1 phase frees the transcription factor E2F1 from RB and enables mRNA transcription of genes essential for G1/S phase transition. This study aims to determine the impact of 9p loss on mRNA and protein expression of p16INK4A and further key cell cycle regulators in the different phases of the cell cycle. Sixty primary GISTs previously characterized for 9p loss by comparative genomic hybridization were analysed for mRNA expression of p16INK4A, p15INK4B, CDK4, CDK6, cyclin D, p21CIP1p27KIP1, CDK2, cyclin E, cyclin B, RB and E2F1, using quantitative RT–PCR. The protein expression of CDK6, CDK2, p21CIP1, p27KIP1 and phosphorylated RB (S807/S811) was evaluated using protein arrays as a novel and highly sensitive platform for profiling of protein abundance and protein phosphorylation. In parallel, the nuclear percentages of immunohistochemical staining for p16INK4A, cyclin D, E2F1 and RB were quantified on a tissue microarray. GISTs with 9p loss had significantly higher proliferation rates, higher metastatic behaviour and shorter disease‐free survival. On the molecular level, GISTs with 9p loss had a significantly reduced mRNA as well as nuclear protein expression of p16INK4A. RB was significantly more phosphorylated in these tumours, together with increased mRNA expression and nuclear staining for E2F1. Furthermore, GISTs with 9p loss had up‐regulation of the late G1/S phase promoters CDK2 and cyclin E. We conclude that loss of 9p accompanied by early G1 phase inhibitor p16INK4A down‐regulation in GISTs facilitates phosphorylation of RB, enabling E2F1‐dependent transcription of genes essential for late G1/S phase transition. This study provides a possible basis for the accelerated proliferation and particularly malignant behaviour in GISTs with 9p loss. Copyright © 2008 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.