bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myosin heavy chain isoform profiles remain altered at 7 months if the lacerated medial gastrocnemius is poorly reinnervated: A study in rabbits
Authors: Pereira Barry P. , Han Hwan Chour , Yu Zou , Tan Bee‐Leng , Ling Zheng , Thambyah Ashvin , Nathan Saminathan S.
Published: December 2009

Lacerated skeletal muscles often do not recover full function after repair. Denervated muscles with altered myosin heavy chain isoform (MHC) profiles are known to result in functional impairment. We studied the functional recovery of lacerated muscles, assessing MHC profile changes in association to the involvement of the intramuscular nerve (IM). We tested three lacerated models using the rabbit's medial gastrocnemius where the IM was either cut (NNR), repaired (NR), or preserved intact (NP). Muscles were assessed 7 months after repair for muscle atrophy, isometric contraction (by electrical stimulation), and fibrosis formation at the lesion site. Changes in myofibrillar actomyosin adenosine triphosphatase activity, MHC profile, regenerating myofibers and reinnervation were assessed by Western blot, histology, or immunohistology. Lacerated muscles with a repaired (NR) or an intact (NP) IM showed good recovery, with no significant changes in the MHC profile. Muscles where the IM was not repaired (NNR) resulted in significant scar area at the lesion site (p < 0.05), muscle atrophy (67%, p < 0.05) and loss in contractile properties (63% of the uninjured side, p < 0.05). At 7 months, all muscles were reinnervated. However, the NNR had an inappropriate (polyneural) and poorly distributed reinnervation, the presence of regenerating myofibers, and demonstrated a fast‐to‐slow MHC transition (71%:29% to 44%:56%, ANOVA, p = 0.018). This was associated to the cut IM when the NNR muscle was lacerated. Poor reinnervation in lacerated skeletal muscles alters the myosin heavy chain profile permanently. This study provides a rationale to also consider biological solutions to improve nerve regeneration and reinnervation in the surgical repair of lacerated muscles. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:732–738, 2010
Differential expression of microRNA (miRNA) in chordoma reveals a role for miRNA‐1 in Met expression
Authors: Duan Zhenfeng , Choy Edwin , Nielsen G. Petur , Rosenberg Andrew , Iafrate John , Yang Cao , Schwab Joe , Mankin Henry , Xavier Ramnik , Hornicek Francis J.
Published: December 2009

Emerging evidence suggests that microRNA (miRNA) expression signatures in cancer may have important diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic value, but there is no data on miRNA expression in chordoma. The purpose of this study was to identify the role of miRNAs in human chordoma. We analyzed miRNA expression in chordoma‐derived cell lines and chordoma tissue by using miRNA microarray technology with unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis. The relative expression levels of these miRNAs were confirmed by real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR and Northern blot analysis. To characterize the potential role of miRNA‐1, miRNA‐1 was stably transfected into a chordoma cell line, UCH1. The expression of miRNA‐1 targeted gene Met in chordoma tissues was also studied. We observe that human chordoma tissues and cell lines can be distinguished from normal muscle tissue by comparing miRNA expression profiles. Several miRNAs were differentially expressed in chordoma cell lines compared to controls, and similar expression patterns were found in primary chordoma tissues. Importantly, we were able to show for the first time, to our knowledge, that expression of miRNA‐1 and miRNA‐206, two miRNAs implicated in a number of other cancer types, were markedly decreased in both chordoma tissues and cell lines. When chordoma cell lines were transfected with miRNA‐1, downregulation of known miRNA‐1 targets was observed. These targets included Met and HDAC4—two genes that were observed to be overexpressed in chordoma. Our results demonstrate that some miRNAs are differentially expressed in chordoma and, in particular, miRNA‐1 may have a functional effect on chordoma tumor pathogenesis. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:746–752, 2010
Glacial forest refugium in Howard Valley, South Island, New Zealand
Authors: Marra Maureen J. , Thackray Glenn D.
Published: December 2009

Fossils of forest habitat beetles and leaves ofNothofagus menziesiiprovide evidence of a forest refugium at times between ca. 34 000 and ca. 18 500 cal. a BP at an upland site in Howard Valley, located adjacent to glaciated valleys in South Island, New Zealand. The stratigraphy of the glacial‐aged terrace sequence of organic‐rich silts and fluvial sand/gravels indicates that soil development occurred episodically for around 15 000 a. Fifty‐four beetle taxa represent seven habitat types: forest, forest or scrub, riparian and aquatic, litter, grass/tussock, marshland and moss habitats. Leaf and beetle fossils indicate that forest dominated byN. menziesiipersisted at the site for most of the time period represented, and tree line taxa such asTaenarthrussp. 1 (Carabidae) andPodocarpussp. (Podocarpaceae) indicate that the site may represent the upper tree limit for full‐glacial time. The finding of forest at this elevated site adds to the growing fossil evidence for multiple forest refugia in New Zealand during the last glaciation and is consistent with the pollen records, which have consistently indicated the presence of forest species during the last glaciations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flood frequencies reveal Holocene rapid climate changes (Lower Moulouya River, northeastern Morocco)
Authors: Zielhofer Christoph , Bussmann Jens , Ibouhouten Hanoun , Fenech Katrin
Published: December 2009

Current high‐resolution palaeoenvironmental records reveal short‐term Holocene coolings. One of these major Holocene rapid climate changes occurred between 3.2 and 2.7 cal. ka BP. The sensitivity of river systems vis‐à‐vis slight and short‐term Holocene climatic variations is a subject of controversy in the scientific community. In this paper, we present a 4.0 to 1.4 cal ka BP palaeoflood record from the Lower Moulouya River (northeastern Morocco) to demonstrate the high sensitivity of semiarid rivers in the southwestern Mediterranean towards Holocene environmental changes. The Lower Moulouya flood deposits are characterised by thick, well‐stratified, predominantly clayey to silty overbank fine sediments. These cohesive sediments show evidence of excellent preservation conditions against fluvial erosion and contain a continuous record of mid to late Holocene flood sequences. The Moulouya palaeoflood record can be interpreted in the context of regional and global high‐resolution proxy data, revealing a strong coupling with Holocene rapid climate changes. The centennial‐scale Moulouya palaeohydrological history will be discussed with palaeoenvironmental data from the same record (palaeomagnetics, sedimentary charcoal record, anthracological analyses, snail analyses) to generate new ideas about the mid to late Holocene hydrological cycle in the southwestern Mediterranean. The deduced features of pronounced Lower Moulouya flooding and the decreased fire recurrence during Holocene cooling remain somewhat inconsistent with the interpretation of other palaeohydrological and paleaoecological records from the southwestern Mediterranean. However, enhanced Lower Moulouya flood frequencies between 3.2 and 2.7 cal. ka BP agree with increased floodplain aggradation in other major river systems of Mediterranean North Africa. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved age constraint for pre‐ and post‐Anglian temperate‐stage deposits in north Norfolk, UK, from analysis of serine decomposition in Bithynia opercula
Authors: Westaway Rob
Published: December 2009

The ‘new glacial stratigraphy’ (NGS) of Britain postulates that deposits hitherto assigned to the Anglian glaciation in Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 12 represent MIS 16, 12, 10 and 6. This controversial idea can be tested at Sidestrand in north Norfolk, where fossiliferous temperate‐stage deposits underlie the oldest and overlie the youngest of the glacial deposits. Previous work has considered biostratigraphy and amino acid dating of these temperate‐stage deposits, but did not achieve tight age constraint using the amino acid evidence alone. The total hydrolysable amino acid fraction in intra‐crystalline protein from Bithynia tentaculata opercula has previously been analysed for concentrations of serine and alanine. Statistical screening of these data gives alanine/serine ratios of 4.572 ± 0.114 for the Sidestrand Hall Member (beneath the glacial deposits) and 3.564 ± 0.091 for the Sidestrand Cliff Formation (overlying the glacial deposits). These ratios imply ages of MIS 13a and 11c, respectively, indicating the latest Cromerian and early Hoxnian interglacials and invalidating the NGS. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Absolute pollen productivity and pollen–vegetation relationships in northern Finland
Authors: Sugita Shinya , Hicks Sheila , Sormunen Henna
Published: December 2009

Pollen productivity is one of the most critical parameters for pollen–vegetation relationships, and thus for vegetation reconstruction, in either pollen percentages or pollen accumulation rates. We obtain absolute pollen productivity of three major tree types in northern Finland: pine (Pinus sylvestris), spruce (Picea abies) and birch (Betula pubescens ssp. pubescens and B. pubescens ssp. czerepanovii treated as one taxon). Long‐term monitoring records of pollen traps from 15 sites (duration: 5–23 years) and tree volume estimates within a 14 km radius of each trap were compared to estimate pollen productivity (grains m−3 a−1) of these trees using a regression method. The slope of the linear relationship between pollen loading and distance‐weighted plant abundance represents pollen productivity. Estimated productivities of pollen (×108 grains m−3 a−1) for pine, spruce and birch are 128.7 (SE 31.5), 341.9 (SE 81.3) and 411.4 (SE 307.7), respectively. The birch estimate (P > 0.05) is not as good as the others and should be used with caution. Pollen productivities of pine, spruce and birch in northern Finland are, in general, comparable to those of congeneric species in other regions of Europe and Japan. Although the year‐to‐year variations are significant, our volume‐based estimates of pollen productivity for pine and spruce will be essential for quantitative reconstruction of vegetation in the region. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Imaging glacial sediment inclusions in 3‐D using ground‐penetrating radar at Kongsvegen, Svalbard
Authors: Murray Tavi , Booth Adam D.
Published: December 2009

The quiescent‐phase surge‐type glacier, Kongsvegen, flows confluent with the continuously fast‐flowing Kronebreen in northwestern Spitsbergen. The lower regions of Kongsvegen overlie glaciomarine sediments, which have been incorporated into the ice during multiple surge events. The resulting englacial structures are exposed at the surface and on a cliff section. These structures have variously been interpreted as thrusts, formed by compression, or sediment‐filled crevasses, formed by extension. We collected a grid of closely spaced ground‐penetrating radar profiles in the area adjacent to the cliff section. Several structures were imaged in 3‐D, including a strong subhorizontal basal reflector, which was underlain by a second, weaker subhorizontal reflector. The basal reflector was occasionally reverse faulted, suggesting compression. Clear englacial features extended upwards from it, dipping up‐glacier at angles of <40° and steepening towards the glacier surface; they had complex geometries that changed rapidly cross‐glacier. The structures were orientated at ∼30° to ice flow, suggesting modification by lateral compression from Kronebreen. Some of these englacial structures clearly crossed the basal reflector. We conclude that the englacial features imaged are not likely to be derived from crevasse filling and were probably formed by thrusting. The results contribute to our understanding of surge initiation and termination processes, and interpretation of features in the palaeorecord. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fluvial response to Holocene climate change in low‐order streams of central Mexico
Authors: Borejsza Aleksander , Frederick Charles D.
Published: December 2009

Alluvial sequences constitute a recognised source of information on past environmental change, but one that has scarcely been tapped in central Mexico. This paper reviews what is currently known about the Holocene alluvial stratigraphy of the region, focusing on the interplay between climate and the pace and style of sedimentation in the incised headwater reaches of stream networks. The records obtained in five different drainage basins – four in the state of Tlaxcala and one in Guanajuato – are presented and compared to published reconstructions of climate change. A near‐synchronous incision of all stream networks occurred close to 10 20014C a BP in response to an increase in precipitation and stream discharge. A spell of very humid but markedly seasonal conditions ensued, resulting in the formation of wet meadows along streams and the accumulation of thick fine‐textured valley fills dominated by cumulic soil A horizons. After 910014C a BP a transition to a warmer and more arid climate provoked the thinning of vegetation cover on slopes, accelerated runoff and increased sediment delivery to streams. The aggradation of coarser‐textured valley fills poor in organic matter set in. It ceased or slowed down significantly after a few millennia as the studied stream reaches achieved a near‐graded condition adjusted to the relatively stable climate. Arid mid Holocene conditions are also reflected in the abundant precipitation of secondary carbonates in Guanajuato. At 310014C a BP higher precipitation caused more frequent flooding and a resumption of aggradation. Shortly after that date sedentary farmers colonised Tlaxcala. Agriculture altered runoff and sediment delivery to streams and accelerated cut‐and‐fill cycles on a scale that masked the impact of any climatic fluctuations. Guanajuato was colonised later and its alluvial record suggests the persistence of a humid climate at least until 100014C a BP. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ice stream influence on West Greenland Ice Sheet dynamics during the Last Glacial Maximum
Authors: Roberts David H. , Long Antony J. , Davies Bethan J. , Simpson Matthew J. R. , Schnabel Christoph
Published: December 2009

This paper investigates the processes governing bedrock bedform evolution in ice sheet and ice stream areas in central West Greenland, and explores the evidence for a cross‐shelf ice stream at the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). To the east of Sisimiut the formation of streamlined bedforms with high elongation ratios and high bedform density has been controlled by geological structure and topography in slow‐flowing ice sheet areas. At the coast, the effects of regional flow convergence, caused by coastal fjord orientation, routed ice into the Sisimiut/Itilleq area where it formed an ice stream onset zone. This funnelled ice into an offshore trough (Holsteinsborg Dyb), resulting in a southwesterly regional ice flow direction and the formation of a topographically routed ice stream (Holsteinsborg Isbrae). To the south of this, striae and bedform evidence show that local valley glaciers initially flowed east to west across the coast, but were later redirected by the Itilleq Fjord ice which turned southwestward due to diffluent flow and deflection by Holsteinsborg Isbrae. Roches moutonnées in this area have low elongation ratios and high bedform density, but do not provide unequivocal support for ice streaming, as they are a product of both bedrock structure and changes in ice flow direction, rather than enhanced flow velocities. Cosmogenic surface exposure ages limit maximum ice sheet surface elevation to ca. 755–810 m above sea level in this region. Such ice thickness enabled Holsteinsborg Isbrae to reach the mid/outer continental shelf during the LGM, and to contribute to the formation of a trough mouth fan and the Outer Hellefisk moraines. Initial deglaciation across this region was driven by rising sea level and increasing air temperatures prior to the Bølling Interstadial at ca. 14.5 cal. ka BP. Between 12 and 10 cal. ka BP both increased air and ocean temperatures post the Younger Dryas, and peak sea‐level rise up to the marine limit, caused accelerated thinning and marginal retreat through calving, although dating evidence suggests ice streams remained along the inner shelf/coast boundary until at least ca. 10 cal. ka BP, their longevity maintained by increased ice thickness and ice discharge. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fire and vegetation history on Santa Rosa Island, Channel Islands, and long‐term environmental change in southern California
Authors: Anderson R. Scott , Starratt Scott , Jass Renata M. Brunner , Pinter Nicholas
Published: December 2009

The long‐term history of vegetation and fire was investigated at two locations – Soledad Pond (275 m; from ca. 12 000 cal. a BP) and Abalone Rocks Marsh (0 m; from ca. 7000 cal. a BP) – on Santa Rosa Island, situated off the coast of southern California. A coastal conifer forest covered highlands of Santa Rosa during the last glacial, but by ca. 11 800 cal. a BP Pinus stands, coastal sage scrub and grassland replaced the forest as the climate warmed. The early Holocene became increasingly drier, particularly after ca. 9150 cal. a BP, as the pond dried frequently, and coastal sage scrub covered the nearby hillslopes. By ca. 6900 cal. a BP grasslands recovered at both sites. Pollen of wetland plants became prominent at Soledad Pond after ca. 4500 cal. a BP, and at Abalone Rocks Marsh after ca. 3465 cal. a BP. Diatoms suggest freshening of the Abalone Rocks Marsh somewhat later, probably by additional runoff from the highlands. Introduction of non‐native species by ranchers occurred subsequent to AD 1850. Charcoal influx is high early in the record, but declines during the early Holocene when minimal biomass suggests extended drought. A general increase occurs after ca. 7000 cal. a BP, and especially after ca. 4500 cal. a BP. The Holocene pattern closely resembles population levels constructed from the archaeological record, and suggests a potential influence by humans on the fire regime of the islands, particularly during the late Holocene. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reconstruction of the variability of the southwest monsoon during the past 3 ka, from the continental margin of the southeastern Arabian Sea
Authors: Chauhan Onkar S. , Vogelsang Elke , Basavaiah Nathani , Kader U. Syed Abdul
Published: December 2009

From temporal variation in δ18O in Globigerinoides ruber and G. sacculifer and geochemical indices of weathering/erosion (chemical index of alteration, Al and Ti), we infer rapid southwest monsoon (SWM) deterioration with dwindling fluvial and detrital fluxes at ca. 450–650, 1000 and 1800–2200 cal. a BP during the late Holocene. We have evaluated the role of solar influx (reconstructed) and high‐latitude climate variability (archived in GRIP and GISP‐2 cores) on SWM precipitation. Broadly, our δ18O climate reconstruction is concordant with GRIP and GISP‐2, and supports a teleconnection through atmospheric connection between the SWM and the North Atlantic climate – albeit temporal extents of the Little Ice Age and Medieval Warm Period from high latitude are not entirely coeval. Moreover, there is a humid climate and enhanced precipitation during the terminal stages of the Little Ice Age. The medieval warming (ca. AD 800–1300) is not synchronous either, and is punctuated by an arid event centred at 1000 a BP. Although the delineation of the specific influence of solar influx on SWM precipitation is elusive, we surmise that SWM precipitation is a complex phenomenon and local orography along southwestern India may have a role on the entrapment of moisture from the southwest trade winds, when these hit land. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of pressure on the retention of sugars in hydrophilic interaction chromatography
Authors: Neue Uwe D. , Hudalla Chris J. , Iraneta Pamela C.
Published: December 2009

Pressure can influence the retention of analytes in hydrophilic interaction chromatography as well as in RP chromatography. We demonstrate that the retention of sugars in hydrophilic interaction chromatography decreases with pressure, and interpret the observation as a gain in solvation, or more specifically hydration, as the sugar molecules enter the water‐rich stationary phase.
Isolation and purification of macrocyclic components from Penicillium fermentation broth by high‐speed counter‐current chromatography
Authors: Gao Xiang , Zhuang Rongqiang , Guo Jiannan , Bao Jian , Fang Meijuan , Liu Yan , Xu Pengxiang , Zhao Yufen
Published: December 2009

In this paper, high‐speed counter‐current chromatography (HSCCC), assisted with ESI‐MS, was first successfully applied to the preparative separation of three macrolide antibiotics, brefeldin A (12.6 mg, 99.0%), 7′‐O‐formylbrefeldin A (6.5 mg, 95.0%) and 7′‐O‐acetylbrefeldin A (5.0 mg, 92.3%) from the crude extract of the microbe Penicillium SHZK‐15. Considering the chemical nature and partition coefficient (K) values of the three target compounds, a two‐step HSCCC isolation protocol was developed in order to obtain products with high purity. In the two‐step method, the crude ethyl acetate extract was first fractionated and resulted in two peak fractions by HSCCC using solvent system n‐hexane/ethyl acetate/methanol/water (HEMWat) (3:7:5:5 v/v/v/v), then purified using solvent systems HEMWat (3:5:3:5 v/v/v/v) and HEMWat (7:3:5:5 v/v/v/v) for each fraction. The purities and structures of the isolated compounds were determined by HPLC, X‐ray crystallography, ESI‐MS and NMR. The results demonstrated that HSCCC is a fast and efficient technique for systematic isolation of bioactive compounds from the microbes.
Leading in crisis
Authors: George Bill
Published: December 2009

There is nothing quite like a crisis to test leadership. Like being in a war, a crisis tests limits because the outcome is rarely predictable. Leaders not only have to use all their wisdom to guide the organization through the storm, but also dig deep inside themselves to find the courage to keep going forward. Based on his research on both failed and successful leaders, George offers seven key strategies for weathering crises and emerging stronger than before.
The decline of the best: An insider's lessons from Lehman Brothers
Authors: Greenfield Hope
Published: December 2009

Lehman Brothers made many disastrous business bets that could have been avoided. Hope Greenfield, who served as Chief Talent Officer at Lehman Brothers for 7 years, offers a deeper look at the culture that allowed the disaster to occur. Beyond faulty risk models and stereotypes about greedy Wall Streeters, Greenfield shows that the Lehman story illustrates the truth of a little‐remarked phenomenon of organizational development: the very attributes of a corporate culture that underlie a company's success often carry the seeds of destruction.
Beat the change management trap: Your organization is more ready to change than you think
Authors: Siegal Wes , Stearn Jonathan
Published: December 2009

Leaders almost always begin organizational change initiatives by planning a series of preparatory steps to get the organization ready for major change. In this article, Wes Siegal and Jonathan Stearn argue that this is the last place they should start. This approach almost always leads to “the change management trap:” resources, time, and energy are spent preparing for change rather than actually achieving its desired outcomes. They examine the reasons why so many leaders fall into this trap and offer well‐tested lessons on avoiding it to achieve real results.
Using imperfect metrics well: Tracking progress and driving change
Authors: Talley Jerry L. , Fram Eugene H.
Published: December 2009

Without some way of measuring their impact on the community, nonprofit boards can easily fall back into monitoring staff activities, mistaking efforts for outcomes. But developing useful metrics can be a painful, costly, and distracting process. Rather than demanding statistical rigor, the authors argue that even imperfect metrics can be used well in a process that leads to genuine organizational improvements.
Synthesis and Structure–Efficiency Relations of 1,3,5‐Benzenetrisamides as Nucleating Agents and Clarifiers for Isotactic Poly(propylene)
Authors: Abraham Frank , Ganzleben Sandra , Hanft Doris , Smith Paul , Schmidt Hans‐Werner
Published: December 2009

This paper presents the synthesis and properties of 1,3,5‐benzenetrisamides with a particular focus on structure‐efficiency relationships of nucleation and optical property enhancement of isotactic poly(propylene) (i‐PP). A family of twenty 1,3,5‐benzenetrisamide derivatives was synthesized, in which the direction of the amide linkage between the core and the peripheral substituents, as well as their length (C‐3 to C‐6) and flexibility were systematically varied. Dissolution‐ and recrystallization temperatures of the additives in the polymer melt, the crystallization temperature of i‐PP, and the optical properties clarity and haze were determined in the additive concentration range from 200 to 2 500 ppm. Within the reported series of compounds, few exhibited very good nucleating and clarification abilities, only one with outstanding characteristics, whereas other, very closely related derivatives were found to be incapable to nucleate or clarify i‐PP, although, intriguingly, most are structural isomers. We conclude that it is the particular chemical structure of the additive that determines its crystallization/self‐assembly process, and, therewith, the structure of the heterogeneous nuclei, and at a higher hierarchical level the morphology of the poly(propylene) solid state and its final properties; and, hence, that a predictive understanding is still elusive.

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“Plastic Trash goes Biohybrid”—Rapid and Selective Functionalization of Inert Plastic Surfaces with Biomolecules
Authors: Schiller Stefan M. , Kambhampati Dev , Stengel Gudrun , Dolderer Jürgen , Nielsen Peter E. , Förch Renate , Knoll W.
Published: December 2009

The covalent functionalization of “inert” polymers such as polypropylene with biomolecules for biocompatible or biosensor surfaces is challenging. Here we present a powerful approach to covalently modify “inert” macromolecular surfaces with biomacromolecules reusing old plastic material. A special emphasis was placed on easily accessible materials and a process which is easy, fast, efficient, cheap, and reliable. “Plastic trash” (lids from Eppendorf® pipet tip containers) was used as a polymer substrate to demonstrate the use/reuse of commercial packing material to covalently modify this material with a thin reactive plasma polymerized maleic anhydride nanolayer network, which can be subsequently modified with biomolecules for various applications, e.g., in tissue engineering and as biochips.

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In Vitro Study of Dexamethasone Release From Poly(p‐xylylene) Films
Authors: Hanefeld Phillip , Agarwal Seema , Kumar Rakesh , Greiner Andreas
Published: December 2009

Stents or metal endoprotheses are currently used to prevent restenosis after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). Recently multi‐component systems comprising implant applications, e. g., stents, protective and/or a drug containing layers, have found wide‐spread application. Permanent and biocompatible stent coatings based on poly(p‐xylylene) (PPX) films were investigated for their potential to form drug containing reservoirs. The model drug dexamethasone was loaded into films of PPX by solvent treatment. Loading efficiency and in vitro drug release profiles were studied under physiological conditions. Linear release of dexamethasone was observed when PPX/dexamethasone films were coated by an additional PPX film as cover layer.

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Protein Biochips: Oriented Surface Immobilization of Proteins
Authors: Lin Po‐Chiao , Weinrich Dirk , Waldmann Herbert
Published: December 2009

Substantial progress in biochip technologies has established an efficient and reliable platform for advanced biological and biomedical applications. In particular, the use of protein biochips in high‐throughput screens provides high content information. We briefly introduce here recent developments in protein biochip preparation with a special focus on our own work on new methods for protein immobilization and protein microarray fabrication, including the application of the Diels‐Alder reaction, Staudinger ligation, ‘click’ sulfonamide formation, and the photochemical thiol‐ene reaction. These chemical methods allow for oriented, site‐specific protein conjugation on solid surfaces with high sensitivity and specificity under mild, aqueous conditions.

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Fabrication of Artificial Petal Sculptures by Replication of Sub‐micron Surface Wrinkles
Authors: Schweikart Alexandra , Zimin Denys , Handge Ulrich A. , Bennemann Michael , Altstädt Volker , Fery Andreas , Koch Kerstin
Published: December 2009

In this contribution, we discuss wrinkling as a process resulting in well‐defined periodic micron‐sized structures, as known from the interface of several plant cells. We show possible pathways to transfer this principle to artificial materials such as epoxy resins or polymers. While topographical structuring of surfaces by wrinkling is meanwhile well established for elastomers like poly (dimethyl siloxane), so far the step towards other classes of materials has not been taken. This puts several limitations to potential applications of artificial wrinkled structures, as elastomers show poor dimensional stability, low optical quality, and tend to swell in organic solvents. As well, artificial structures formed by wrinkling are not tension‐free on the microscopic level, which makes them metastable. Residual mechanical tensions can affect dimensional stability on long timescales. We introduce two processes, micro thermoforming and molding, as means to overcome these restrictions and to pattern non‐elastomeric materials by using wrinkled elastomers as templates. The two approaches allow the formation of negative and positive replicas and allow the transfer of sub‐micron features with high fidelity.

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BaSO4‐, CaF2‐, and Al‐Maleate‐Derived Nanocomposite Coatings with Excellent Mechanical, Thermal, and Optical Properties
Authors: Khalil Hazem , Gläsel Hans‐Jürgen , Köhler Karl , Hardinghaus Ferdinand , Buchmeiser Michael R.
Published: December 2009

Acrylate‐based nanocomposite coatings prepared from uniformly sized, nanoscaled inorganic, i.e., BaSO4‐ and CaF2‐ as well as organometallic, i.e., Al‐maleate‐derived nanoparticles were prepared applying photochemical curing. Excellent mechanical and thermal stability as well as high optical transparency was achieved as compared to standard SiO2‐based coatings. The performance of CaF2‐based nanocomposites could be further enhanced by addition of nanocorundum. A comprehensive data set on surface and Martens hardness, the penetration depths, glass transition temperatures, and UV–Vis transparency of the final coatings is presented.

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Toward Assembly of Non‐close‐packed Colloidal Structures from Anisotropic Pentamer Particles
Authors: Solomon Michael J. , Zeitoun Ramsey , Ortiz Daniel , Sung Kyung Eun , Deng Di , Shah Aayush , Burns Mark A. , Glotzer Sharon C. , Millunchick Joanna M.
Published: December 2009

Particles combining multiple anisotropy dimensions offer possibilities for self‐assembly that have not been extensively explored to date. The scope for assembly of microparticles in which the anisotropy dimensions of internal bond angle and chemical ordering have been varied is investigated. Colloidal assemblies with interesting open (i.e., non‐close‐packed) structures can be assembled from these building blocks. The structure of the assemblies formed is linked to the building block anisotropy because the steric constraints introduced induce deviations from close packing. Key challenges addressed in pursuit of these structures are parallelization of microfluidic synthesis methods, simulation to efficiently search the available anisotropy space, and methods that characterize the properties of the resulting assemblies. This combined program of synthesis, simulation, assembly, and characterization may be applied to develop design rules that guide efforts to fabricate microparticle building blocks and their assemblies.

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Use of a Profluorophore for Visualization of the Rupture of Capsules in Self‐Healing Coatings
Authors: van den Dungen Eric T. A. , Loos Ben , Klumperman Bert
Published: December 2009

An important category of self‐healing materials relies on the release of a healing agent from a capsule upon the occurrence of damage to the material. Visualization of the release of the healing agent is difficult to accomplish. Here we show that a profluorophore can successfully be used to visualize the local release of a healing agent in a self‐healing coating. A tetra‐functional thiol compound encapsulated in nanocapsules or microcapsules is dispersed in a poly(methyl acrylate) film, in which the profluorophore is molecularly dispersed. A strong fluorescence signal is observed when a cut is introduced in the film. This fluorescence provides clear evidence that the capsules rupture locally during the introduction of a cut. In a more general sense, it proves that profluorophores can be very useful in materials science.

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Defense mechanisms against toxic phytochemicals in the diet of domestic animals
Authors: Fink‐Gremmels Johanna
Published: December 2009

Plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) are non‐nutritional components that occur in numerous feed materials and are able to exert toxic effects in animals. The current article aims to summarize innate defense strategies developed by different animal species to avoid excessive exposure to PSMs. These mechanisms include pre‐systemic degradation of PSMs by rumen microbiota, the intestinal barrier including efflux transporters of monogastric species, as well as pre‐hepatic and intra‐hepatic biotransformation processes. These physiological barriers determine systemic exposure and ultimately the dose‐dependent adverse effects in the target animal species. Considering the large number of potentially toxic PSMs, which makes an evaluation of all individual PSMs virtually impossible, such a mechanism‐oriented approach could improve the predictability of adverse effects and support the interpretation of clinical field observations. Moreover, mechanistic data related to tissue disposition and excretion pathways of PSMs for example into milk, could substantially support the assessment of the risks for consumers of foods derived from PSM‐exposed animals.
Liquid chromatography with accurate mass measurement on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer for the identification and quantification of N‐lactoyl ethanolamine in wine
Authors: Ruisch Bart , König Thorsten
Published: December 2009

In this addendum to the original article [de Rijke, E., Ruisch, B.J., Bouter, N., König, T., Liquid chromatography with accurate mass measurement on a triple quadrupole mass‐spectrometer for the identification and quantification of N‐lactoyl ethanolamine in wine, Mol. Nutr. Food Res., 2006, 50, 351–355] a method is described to demonstrate that no potential cross‐contamination from the reference target molecule had given rise to an incorrect positive identification of N‐lactoyl ethanolamine in wine.
1H,13C and 19F NMR data of N‐substituted 6‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐7H‐pyrrolo[2,3‐d]pyrimidin‐4‐amines in DMSO‐d6
Authors: Sørum Christopher , Simić Nebojša , Sundby Eirik , Hoff Bård Helge
Published: December 2009

Chemical shift assignment of seven N‐substituted 6‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐7H‐pyrrolo[2, 3‐d]pyrimidin‐4‐amines, six of which are fluorinated, have been performed based on 1H, 13C, 19F, and 2D COSY, HMBC and HSQC experiments. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A case of concha bullosa mucopyocele in a medieval human skull
Authors: Kwiatkowska B. , Gawlikowska‐Sroka A. , Szczurowski J. , Nowakowski D. , Dzięciołowska‐Baran E.
Published: December 2009

The term ‘concha bullosa’ refers to the pneumatisation of the intranasal turbinates. The pneumatisation can occur at any level (superior, middle, inferior), but the term is typically used to describe the aeration of the middle turbinate. This case report concerns a medieval skull from Tomb Chamber Number One in St. Nicholas's Church in Głogów, Poland. The burial dates from the 13th or 14th century. Direct measurements of the skull according to Martin's technique and computed tomography (CT) were made. The skull is from a male whose age was estimated as 40–55 years. In the nasal cavity, a large bony formation with the appearances of a tumor, a lesion of the maxillary sinus wall, and a significant curvature of the nasal septum were found. The CT scan demonstrated changes that could be described as a type IV concha bullosa, according to Krzeski's classification. This anatomical variation was first described by Zuckerkandl in 1893. The symptoms that were often associated with concha bullosa include nasal obstruction or congestion, facial pain, and headache. Concha bullosa can result in recurrent sinusitis, mucocele, or mucopyocele. In the case of the Głogów skull, an extensive lesion and inflammatory changes in the maxillary sinus and destruction of the orbital floor suggests the presence of a mucopyocele that arose from a concha bullosa. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Particle size effect on the film‐forming process of PS/PBA composite latexes
Authors: Uğur Şaziye , Sunay M. Selin , Elaissari Abdelhamid , Pekcan Önder
Published: December 2009

In this work, the effect of hard particle size and blend ratio on the film formation behavior of hard polystyrene (PS) and soft poly(n‐butyl acrylate) (PBA) latex blends was studied by means of steady‐state fluorescence and UV–visible techniques in conjunction with atomic force microscopy. Three different sets of latexes were synthesized: PBA latex (diameter 97 nm), pyrene (P)‐labeled large PS (LgPS; diameter 900 nm), and small PS (SmPS; diameter 320 nm). Two different series of latex blends (LgPS/PBA and SmPS/PBA) were prepared with varying blend composition at room temperature separately. Films were then annealed at elevated temperatures above glass transition (Tg) temperature of PS. Fluorescence intensity (IP) from P and photon transmission intensity (Itr) were measured after each annealing step to monitor the stages of film formation. The results showed that a significant change occurred in IP and Itr at a certain critical weight fraction (Rc) of PBA. Below Rc, two distinct film formation stages, which are named as void closure and interdiffusion, were seen. However, at PBA concentrations nearer to or above Rc, no film formation can be achieved. Comparing to the LgPS/PBA, the sintering process of SmPS/PBA particles occurred at much lower temperatures. Film formation stages for R < Rc were modeled, and related activation energies were calculated. Void closure (ΔH) and interdiffusion (ΔE) activation energies for SmPS/PBA were also found smaller in comparing with LgPS/PBA series. However, ΔH and ΔE values were not changed much with the blend composition for both series. POLYM. COMPOS., 31:1637–1652, 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
High‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection coupled to electrospray time‐of‐flight and ion‐trap tandem mass spectrometry to identify phenolic compounds from a Cistus ladanifer aqueous extract
Authors: Fernández‐Arroyo S. , Barrajón‐Catalán E. , Micol V. , Segura‐Carretero A. , Fernández‐Gutiérrez A.
Published: December 2009

Introduction – Cistus ladanifer is an aromatic shrub that is widespread in the Mediterranean region. The labdanum exudate is used in the fragrance industry and has been characterised. However, there is not enough information about the phenolic content of the raw plant, the aerial part of it being a very rich source of bioactive compounds.

Objective – Characterisation of the bioactive compounds of the raw plant and its aerial parts.

Methodology – High‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array and electrospray ionisation mass spectrometric detection was used to carry out the comprehensive characterisation of a Cistus ladanifer shrub aqueous extract. Two different MS techniques were coupled to HPLC: time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry.

Results – Many well‐known compounds present in Cistus ladanifer were characterised, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, ellagitanins, hexahydroxydiphenoyl and derivatives, and other compounds.

Conclusion – The method described simultaneously separated a wide range of phenolic compounds and the proposed characterisation of the major compounds of this extract was carried out. It is important to highlight that, to our knowledge, this is the first time that a Cistus ladanifer aqueous extract from the raw plant has been characterised. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thin film solar cells incorporating microcrystalline Si1–xGex as efficient infrared absorber: an application to double junction tandem solar cells
Authors: Matsui Takuya , Jia Haijun , Kondo Michio
Published: December 2009

We have fabricated efficient (∼7–8%) hydrogenated microcrystalline Si1–xGex (µc‐Si1–xGex:H, x ∼ 0.1–0.17) single junction p‐i‐n solar cells with markedly higher short‐circuit current densities than for µc‐Si:H (x = 0) solar cells due to enhanced infrared absorption. By replacing the conventional µc‐Si:H with the µc‐Si1–xGex:H as infrared absorber in double junction tandem solar cells, the bottom cell thickness can be reduced by more than half while preserving the current matching with hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a‐Si:H) top cell. An initial efficiency of 11.2% is obtained for a‐Si:H/µc‐Si0.9Ge0.1:H solar cell with bottom cell thickness less than 1 µm. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Forty three per cent composite split‐spectrum concentrator solar cell efficiency
Authors: Green Martin A. , Ho‐Baillie Anita
Published: December 2009

One way of improving the efficiency of solar cells is to subdivide the broad solar spectrum into smaller energy ranges and to convert each range with a cell of appropriately matched bandgap. The most common approach to implementing this idea has been to use a monolithic or mechanical stack of cells arranged in order of increasing bandgap, with the highest bandgap cell uppermost. This provides automatic filtering of incident sunlight so that each cell absorbs and converts the optimal spectral range. The potential of an earlier experimental approach based on steering light in different wavelength bands to non‐stacked cells recently has been re‐explored with good results. The present work extends this previous work by putting measurements on a more rigorous basis and by improving the ‘composite’ experimental efficiency of selected cells to beyond 43%, the highest reported to date for any combination of photovoltaic devices. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of photovoltaic modules based on sampling inspection using smoothed empirical quantiles
Authors: Steland Ansgar , Herrmann Werner
Published: December 2009

An important issue for end users and distributors of photovoltaic (PV) modules is the inspection of the power output specification of a shipment. The question is whether or not the modules satisfy the specifications given in the data sheet, namely the nominal power output under standard test conditions† relative to the power output tolerance. Since collecting control measurements of all modules is usually unrealistic, decisions have to be based on random samples. In many cases, one has access to flash data tables of final output power measurements (flash data) from the producer. We propose to rely on the statistical acceptance sampling approach as an objective decision framework, which takes into account both the end users and producers risk of a false decision. A practical solution to the problem is discussed which has been recently found by the authors. The solution consists of estimates of the required optimal sample size and the associated critical value where the estimation uses the information contained in the additional flash data. We propose and examine an improved solution which yields even more reliable estimated sampling plans as substantiated by a Monte Carlo study. This is achieved by employing advanced statistical estimation techniques. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Shunt removal and patching for crystalline silicon solar cells using infrared imaging and laser cutting
Authors: Zhang Lucheng , Shen Hui , Yang Zhuojian , Jin Jingsheng
Published: December 2009

Shunts in crystalline silicon solar cells can be physically removed and replaced with good cells to eliminate their influences, which is proved by the experiments in this paper. By infrared imaging and laser cutting, the shunted regions near the edges of cell A and in the middle of cell B were identified and removed with their efficiencies increased by 6·8% and 3·0%, respectively. After shunt removal, cell B was patched up with good cells and its final work current further increased from 3·71 to 4·11 A. The result implies that this work could improve the output power and current matching in a module for the repaired cell. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new analog MPPT technique: TEODI
Authors: Femia N. , Petrone G. , Spagnuolo G. , Vitelli M.
Published: December 2009

A new analog maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique is presented and discussed. Its main advantages are simplicity of implementation, absence of memory and multiplication operations, and the high MPPT efficiency obtainable under both stationary and time‐varying atmospheric conditions. A numerical analysis, carried out by using the Perturb and Observe MPPT technique as a benchmark reference, confirms the validity of the proposed approach. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface Activation of Poly(methyl methacrylate) via Remote Atmospheric Pressure Plasma
Authors: II Eleazar Gonzalez , Barankin Michael D. , Guschl Peter C. , Hicks Robert F.
Published: December 2009

An atmospheric pressure oxygen and helium plasma was used to activate the surface of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). The plasma physics and chemistry was investigated by numerical modeling. It was shown that as the electron density of the plasma increased from 3 × 1010 to 1 × 1012 cm−3, the concentration of O atoms and metastable oxygen molecules (1Δg) in the afterglow increased from 6 × 1015 to 1 × 1017 cm−3. Exposing PMMA to the afterglow for times between 0 and 30 s led to a 35° ± 3° decrease in water contact angle, and a ten‐fold increase in bond strength to several adhesives. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy of the polymer revealed that after treatment, the surface carbon attributable to the methyl pendant groups decreased 5%, while that due to carboxyl acid groups increased 7%. The numerical modeling of the afterglow and experimental results indicate that oxygen atoms generated in the plasma oxidize the polymer chains.

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The Substrate and Composition Dependence of Plasma Polymer Stability
Authors: Robinson David E. , Buttle David J. , Whittle Jason D. , Parry Kristina L. , Short Robert D. , Steele David A.
Published: December 2009

Film stability of functionalised plasma polymer (PP) films in aqueous environments is an issue. Whilst methods are routinely employed to enhance aqueous stability, the issue itself has not previously been systematically studied. Herein, we describe a method using gradient PP surfaces whereby aqueous stability can be explored as a function of PP composition and substratum. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is used to examine PP films on glass and Thermanox “as‐prepared” and post‐immersion (24 h) in distilled H2O. Our data indicate stability becomes an issue with increase in functionalisation, but that functionalised PPs are much more stable when deposited on polymeric Thermanox than when deposited onto glass. Substratum influence in PP films thicker than the XPS sampling depth is a surprise.

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