bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
1H MRS in the rat brain under pentobarbital anesthesia: Accurate quantification of in vivo spectra in the presence of propylene glycol
Authors: Iltis Isabelle , Marjańska Małgorzata , Du Fei , Koski Dee M. , Zhu Xiao‐Hong , Uǧurbil Kâmil , Chen Wei , Henry Pierre‐Gilles
Published: July 2010

Commercial solutions for pentobarbital anesthesia typically contain water, ethanol, and propylene glycol (PG). The last two are characterized by resonances that can affect the determination of metabolite concentrations from 1H spectra. The purpose of the present study was to measure the concentration of metabolites in the rat brain in vivo under pentobarbital anesthesia using 1H MRS. Resonances of PG, but not ethanol, were observed in the rat brain. Chemical shifts and J‐coupling constants for PG were measured at 37°C and pH 7.1 and used for spectral simulation. Inclusion of the simulated PG spectrum in the basis set for LCModel analysis enabled accurate fitting of in vivo spectra. This work demonstrates that concentration of brain metabolites can be reliably measured using 1H spectroscopy under pentobarbital anesthesia. The chemical shifts and J‐coupling values reported here can be used to simulate the spectrum of PG at any field strength, with various pulse sequences. Magn Reson Med, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tolterodine causes measurable restoration of urethral sensation in women with urge urinary incontinence
Authors: Kenton Kimberly , Lowenstein Lior , Brubaker Linda
Published: July 2010

Introduction & Hypothesis

Determine if treatment of urge incontinence with tolterodine results in changes in bladder and/or urethral sensation using Current Perception Threshold (CPT) testing.

Methods

Women with ≥1 incontinence episode on 7‐day diary were treated with 4 mg of long‐acting tolterodine for 2‐months. At baseline and 2‐months, participants had CPT testing of the urethral and bladder at 3 frequencies 2000, 250, and 5 Hz. Baseline and post‐treatment measures were compared using Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test.

Results

Seventeen women underwent baseline CPT testing. Four discontinued medication due to side effects and did not have repeated testing. Urethral CPT at 250 Hz was lower after treatment (median 1.3 [Interquartile range .69‐‐2.1] and .75 [.45‐‐1.2], p = .003) and at 5 Hz trended toward a significant decrease (1.1 [1‐‐1.9] and .84 [.32‐‐1.1], p = .06).

Conclusions

Urethral sensitivity improves after 2‐months of tolterodine, suggesting it may restore urethral sensory nerves in addition to known motor effects. Neurourol. Urodynam. 29:555–557, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Current Awareness in NMR in Biomedicine
Authors:   John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Published: July 2010

In order to keep subscribers up‐to‐date with the latest developments in their field, John Wiley & Sons are providing a current awareness service in each issue of the journal. The bibliography contains newly published material in the field of NMR in biomedicine. Each bibliography is divided into 11 sections: 1 Books, Reviews ' Symposia; 2 General; 3 Technology; 4 Contrast Agents; 5 Brain and Nerves; 6 Neuropathology; 7 Cancer; 8 Cardiac, Vascular and Respiratory Systems; 9 Liver, Kidney and Other Organs; 10 Muscle and Orthopaedic; 11 Plants, Micro‐organisms and Parasites; 12 Others. Within each section, articles are listed in alphabetical order with respect to author. If, in the preceding period, no publications are located relevant to any one of these headings, that section will be omitted.
How manager leads
Authors: Matthews Steve
Published: July 2010

His success depends on ability to compromise and reason‐and to avoid sticking out his neck.
How to avoid packet droppers with proactive routing protocols for ad hoc networks
Authors: Gawȩdzki Ignacy , Al Agha Khaldoun
Published: July 2010

Routing protocols for mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) have been an active area of research for the last decade, with many very interesting potential as well as actual applications, in the military, rescue and commercial fields. Currently emerging standard routing protocols for MANETs do not perform well in the presence of nodes that intentionally drop data traffic but otherwise behave correctly with respect to control messages. In this paper, we address the problem of coping with the presence of such nodes in networks that use a proactive routing protocol. The solution, based on the principle of flow conservation, is purely protocolar and does not rely on any specific underlying OSI layer 1 or 2 technology. In addition, it is well suited for integration into existing proactive routing protocols for ad hoc networks, since it can use existing control messages and does not require any synchronization between the nodes. The method, once implemented in an actual routing protocol, proves to increase the ratio of successfully delivered data packets significantly. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Matching problems with generalized upper bound side constraints
Authors: Ball Michael O. , Derigs Ulrich , Hilbrand C. , Metz Achim
Published: July 2010

In this article, we develop and compare procedures for the approximate solution of weighted nonbipartite matching problems with generalized upper bound side constraints. The approaches we consider are all based on Lagrangean relaxation and dual ascent. We also use a knapsack‐based procedure for finding improved feasible solutions and a “k‐best” solution enumeration procedure to guarantee optimality. Our computational experiments addressed two issues: the choice of the best combination of a matching code and postoptimality routine and the choice of a dual ascent rule. Our recommended combination of procedures consistently produced solutions with a very small deviation from optimality without having to resort to the enumeration procedure.
Approximation and numerical realization of 3D contact problems with Coulomb friction and a solution‐dependent coefficient of friction
Authors: Ligurský T. , Haslinger J. , Kučera R.
Published: July 2010

This paper analyzes 3D discrete contact problems with Coulomb friction and a coefficient of friction ℱ depending on the solution. The formulation of this problem is based on a fixed‐point approach. Existence of at least one discrete solution is guaranteed for any continuous, non‐negative and bounded function ℱ. The uniqueness result is established for ℱ small enough and Lipschitz continuous with a sufficiently small modulus of Lipschitz continuity. Results of several numerical experiments are shown. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and characterization of UV‐curable phosphorus containing hybrid materials prepared by sol–gel technique
Authors: Karataş Sevim , Kayaman‐Apohan Nilhan , Turunç Oğuz , Güngör Atilla
Published: July 2010

In this study, a series of ultraviolet (UV)‐curable organic–inorganic hybrid coating materials containing phosphorus were prepared by sol–gel approach from acrylate end‐capped urethane resin, acrylated phenyl phosphine oxide oligomer (APPO), and inorganic precursors. TEOS and MAPTMS were used to obtain the silica network and Ti:acac complex was employed for the formation of the titania network in the hybrid coating systems. Coating performance of the hybrid coating materials applied on aluminum substrates was determined by the analysis techniques, such as hardness, gloss, impact strength, cross‐cut adhesion, taber abrasion resistance, which were accepted by international organization. Also, stress–strain test of the hybrids was carried out on the free films. These measurements showed that all the properties of the hybrids were enhanced effectively by gradual increase in sol–gel precursors and APPO oligomer content. The thermal behavior of the hybrid coatings was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) analysis. The flame retardancy of the hybrid materials was examined by the limiting oxygen index (LOI); the LOI values of pure organic coating (BF) increased from 31 to 44 for the hybrid materials containing phosphorus (BF‐P:40/Si:10). The data from thermal analysis and LOI showed that the hybrid coating materials containing phosphorus have higher thermal stability and flame resistance properties than the organic polymer. Besides that, it was found that the double bond conversion values for the hybrid mixtures were adequate in order to form an organic matrix. The polycondensation reactions of TEOS and MAPTMS compounds were also investigated by 29Si‐NMR spectroscopy. SEM studies of the hybrid coatings showed that silica/titania particles were homogenously dispersed through the organic matrix. In addition, it was determined that the hybrid material containing phosphorus and silica showed fibrillar structure. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Amphiphilic polymeric Michler's ketone (MK) photoinitiators (APMKs) containing PEO chain and coinitiator amine
Authors: Wen Yanna , Jiang Xuesong , Liu Rui , Yin Jie
Published: July 2010

A series of amphiphilic polymeric Michler's ketone (MK) photoinitiators (APMKs) were synthesized by incorporating PEO short chain, MK moiety, and coinitiator amine into the same polymeric chain. APMKs possess good amphiphilic ability and become water‐soluble when the molar ratio of MK(pipaz)2/PEO/piperazine is 2:3:1. UV–Vis measurement shows that APMKs possess the same characteristic absorption to MK derivatives. The photopolymerization of three monomers with different functionality and hydrophilicity, polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA), phenoxy ethyl acrylate (AMP‐10G), and 2,2‐bis[4‐(acryloxypolyethoxy)phenyl]propane (A‐BPE‐10) initiated by APMKs was investigated by photodifferential scanning (photo‐DSC). The results show that APMKs can photoinitiate the polymerization of hydrophilic and hydrophobic monomers efficiently. As for photopolymerization of water‐soluble PEGDA, the final conversion is higher than 94%. Therefore, APMKs will be expected to find potential in many fields. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reversible film formation from PS doped PNIPAM particles in various compositions
Authors: Uǧur Ş. , Yargi Ö. , Pekcan Ö.
Published: July 2010

Film formation from polystyrene (PS) doped poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) particles was studied using photon transmission technique. The transmitted light intensity, Itr, was monitored during film formation process. Films were prepared by mixing PS and PNIPAM particles in various compositions ranging from 5 to 50 %. Samples were separately heated and cooled in constant rate at temperatures ranging from 10 to 100°C. The increase and decrease in Itr during heating–cooling cycles were explained by void closure and void reconstruction processes. The corresponding activation energies were measured during the reversible film formation process. Percolation model was used to interpret the distribution of PS particles in PNIPAM lattice. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
pH‐sensitive Podophyllotoxin carrier for cancer cells specific delivery
Authors: Fan Li , Wu Hong , Zhang Hui , Li Fei , Yang Tie‐hong
Published: July 2010

A pH‐sensitive drug targeting system for solid tumors was established based on N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) and chitosan conjugates. The mass ratio of NIPAAm and chitosan was adjusted to obtain super pH‐sensitive characteristic and the structure was studied by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscope to confirm the successful synthesis of the nanoparticles. The pH‐sensitive and drug release characteristics in vitro were studied as well. Human lung cancer cells A‐549 and human fibroblast were used to test the biocompatibility of blank and Podophyllotoxin (POD) loaded nanoparticles further to certificate the reliability of targeting acidic tumor extracellular pH. Results revealed that when charge ratio between NIPAAm and CS achieve 4:1(w/w), the drug‐loaded nanoparticles, which diameters ranged from 50 to 150 nm, exhibited super pH‐sensitive responses to tumor pH. Encapsulation and loading efficiencies were 63.7% and 2.4%, respectively. The cumulative release rate of POD, which significantly enhanced at pH 6.8 while decreased rapidly either below pH 6.5 or above pH 6.9 at 37°C. At pH 6.8, POD‐loaded nanoparticles showed cytotoxicity in MTT test and fluorescence microscopic study, comparable to that of free POD at the same POD concentrations, whereas at pH 7.4 there was little cytotoxicity at the tested concentration range. Thereby, the atoxic PNIPAAm‐g‐chitosan nanoparticle has the potentiality as a novel anticancer drugs carrier. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Temperature dependence of oxygen diffusion into clay‐doped PS films
Authors: Uğur Şaziye , Yargı Önder , Pekcan Önder
Published: July 2010

Fluorescence technique was employed for the measurement of the diffusion coefficient of oxygen into polystyrene (PS) latex/modified Na‐activated bentonite (MNaLB) clay composite films. Three different MNaLB content (0, 5, and 20 wt%) composite films were prepared from PS/MNaLB mixtures by annealing them at 200°C, above the glass transition temperature of PS for 10 min. To determine the diffusivity of oxygen in PS/MNaLB composite films, diffusion measurements were performed over the temperature range from 25 to 70°C. Pyrene (P) was used as the fluorescent agent. The diffusion coefficients (D) of oxygen were determined by combining the fluorescence quenching method with Fickian transport model, and were found as a function of temperature for each MNaLB content film. The results showed that D values are strongly dependent on both temperature and clay content in composite film. It was also observed that D coefficients obey Arrhenius behavior, from where diffusion activation energies were measured. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Examination of alkaloidal constituents of zanthoxylum usambarense by a combination of ion‐pair extraction and ion‐pair chromatography using sodium perchlorate
Authors: Kato Atsushi , Moriyasu Masataka , Ichimaru Momoyo , Nishiyama Yumi , Juma Francis D. , Nganga Joseph N. , Mathenge Simon G. , Ogeto John O.
Published: July 2010

Quaternary alkaloids of the stem of Zanthoxylum usambarense, an important medicinal plant in Kenya utilized for the treatment of pneumonia and rheumatism, were examined by a combination of ion‐pair extraction and preparative ion‐pair high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), in which sodium perchlorate was used as an ion‐pair reagent. Quaternary bases were extractable from aqueous solution into 1,2‐dichloroethane in the presence of perchlorate in acidic conditions. The phenomenon is explained in terms of ion‐pair extraction between alkaloidal cation and perchlorate anion. The quaternary alkaloidal fraction thus obtained was well separated by means of ion‐pair HPLC in which sodium perchlorate was also utilized. Furthermore, the solvent system was easily applied to preparative HPLC, yielding the pure perchlorate of each alkaloid. Eight quaternary bases in Z. usambarense were thus obtained and their structures were elucidated. One of them was a new quaternary base of the tetrahydroprotoberberine type, which was named (‐)‐usambarine.
Trace analysis of harman alkaloids in passiflora incarnata by reversed‐phase high performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Rehwald Anne , Sticher Otto , Meier B.
Published: July 2010

Seventeen different samples of Passiflora incarnata were screened for harman alkaloids by a reversed‐phase high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method. Only one sample yielded a possible harman content of approximately 0.1 ppm which was just above the level of detection limit. The method comprises extraction of the plant material, purification and concentration of the alkaloid fraction by combined solid‐phase extractions on Extrelut and cation‐exchange cartridges, and subsequent HPLC analysis using diode‐array and fluorescence detection. The method was found to be sensitive and selective and revealed good recovery. The efficiency of the method was demonstrated with Peganum harmala seeds.
An audit of a comprehensive screening programme for diabetes in pregnancy
Authors: Gregory R , Swinn RA , Wareham N , Curling V , Dalton KJ , Edwards OM , O'Rahilly S
Published: July 2010

Universal screening of gestational diabetes (GDM) has been advocated but is seldom practised in the United Kingdom. We report 12 months' audit of a comprehensive screening programme for women attending a teaching hospital for antenatal care. The population served is almost exclusively Caucasian. Of 4,016 women who booked in for delivery at the hospital, 3,316 (83%) completed the screening protocol. Sixty‐seven women (1.7%) were found to have gestational diabetes after a 75 gram oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) by WHO criteria. Of these, 43 were identified by following the screening protocol (one at booking following a random venous plasma glucose result of >7.0mmol/L, 42 after a third trimester 50 gram glucose challenge) and 24 as a result of OGTTs performed on clinical grounds. Clinical suspicion was usually raised by the identification of clinical risk factors for diabetes. Seventy OGTTs were requested despite a normal third trimester 50 gram challenge result and generated eight abnormal results, although these were at a later gestation than those generated by abnormal 50 gram results. Fifty two women (78%) were referred to the combined diabetes‐antenatal clinic. Only eight women (12%) received insulin. Thirty five women (52%) returned for postnatal OGTT, of which four were abnormal. We have confirmed the low prevalence of GDM in a predominantly Caucasian population and would question the value of first trimester screening in such a population. The screening protocol is only valuable if abnormal results are acted upon and, while there is disagreement among clinicians regarding the value of treating GDM, not all women with abnormal results receive dietary advice.
Tea cup burn in a diabetic with an asymptomatic peripheral neuropathy affecting the hands
Authors: Kumar S , Jowett NI
Published: July 2010

A patient with Type 2 diabetes (NIDDM) sustained a partial thickness bum to her hand from a hot tea cup. She was not aware of the injury by virtue of her hitherto unrecognised asymptomatic upper limb sensory neuropathy, or even that damage could be sustained so simply from an everyday activity. Patients with diabetes may need to select their tea cups more carefully, and those caring for patients with diabetes should recognise and educate on sensory impairment in the hands as well as the feet.
Effects of core‐shell acrylate particles on impact properties of chlorinated polyethylene/polyvinyl chloride blends
Authors: Yu Jianying , Feng Pengcheng , Zhang Henglong
Published: July 2010

The impact properties of core‐shell acrylate (CS‐ACR)/chlorinated polyethylene (CPE)/poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) blends under different temperatures were investigated. The fracture surface morphologies of the blends were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that there exists significant synergistic effect between CS‐ACR particles and CPE in toughening PVC, and the impact properties of the blends generally correlate well with SEM morphologies. Besides, with increasing CS‐ACR content, ductile–brittle transition point of the ternary blends remarkably shifts to a lower temperature. Dynamic mechanical analysis exhibited that intensity and area of low‐temperature tan δ peaks of the CPE/PVC blends increase obviously after the addition of CS‐ACR particles, which to some extent are just in line with the changes in impact strength and ductile–brittle transition point of the blends. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) grafting on aluminium to actively switch its surface drag in water
Authors: Hyakutake Tsuyoshi , Navrotskiy Alexander V , Morita Katsuaki , Kato Junji , Sakaue Hirotaka , Novakov Ivan A , Nishide Hiroyuki
Published: July 2010

Active control of flow over object surfaces achieved by means of mechanical and/or electrical methods has recently been studied. However, there has been no report on actively switching the surface drag of an object by chemical modification of the object's surface. Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPA) was grafted onto the surface of an aluminium (Al) substrate via (A) surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization and (B) radical polymerization with an azo‐group surface initiator. The grafting density was 0.19 and 0.15 chains nm−2, respectively. The water contact angle of the PNIPA‐grafted Al surface reversibly changed between 55° and 82° for (A) and between 42° and 65° for (B) at temperatures of 25 and 40 °C, which was ascribed to the temperature‐responsive, hydrophilic–hydrophobic switching of the grafted PNIPA surface. The PNIPA grafting was applied on the surface of an ogive‐shaped Al model. The normalized dropping speed of the model in water increased 1.1 times at 42 °C in comparison to that at 22 °C. Switching of the surface drag of PNIPA‐grafted Al in water was demonstrated on the basis of the hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity of the grafted Al surface, the switching occurring with a change in temperature. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
In situ sol–gel route to novel sulfonated polyimideSiO2 hybrid proton‐exchange membranes for direct methanol fuel cells
Authors: Liu Dan , Geng Lei , Fu Yuqin , Dai Xin , Qi Bin , Lü Changli
Published: July 2010

Polyimides (PIs) as high‐performance organic matrices are used in the preparation of PI composites because of their excellent mechanical, thermal and dielectric properties. The sol–gel method is a promising technique for preparing these PI composites due to the mild reaction conditions and the process being controllable. Although sulfonated polyimide (SPI) proton‐exchange membranes have attracted much attention recently, studies on preparing SPI‐based hybrid proton‐exchange membranes for fuel cells have been rare. A series of SPISiO2 hybrid proton‐exchange membranes were prepared from amino‐terminated SPI pre‐polymers, 3‐glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (KH‐560) and tetraethylorthosilicate through a co‐hydrolysis and condensation process using an in situ sol–gel method. The reactive silane KH‐560 was used to react with amino‐terminated SPI to form silane‐capped SPI in order to improve the compatibility between the polymer matrix and the inorganic SiO2 phase. The microstructure and mechanical, thermal and proton conduction properties were studied in detail. The hybrid membranes were highly uniform without phase separation up to 30 wt% SiO2. The storage modulus and tensile strength of the hybrid membranes increased with increasing SiO2 content. The introduction of SiO2 improved the methanol resistance while retaining good proton conductivity. The hybrid membrane with 30 wt% SiO2 exhibited a proton conductivity of 10.57 mS cm−1 at 80 °C and methanol permeability of 2.3 × 10−6 cm2 s−1 possibly because the crosslinking structure and SiO2 phases formed in the hybrids could retain water and were helpful to proton transport. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Structural characterization and thermal behaviour of block copolymers of polydimethylsiloxane and polyamide having trichlorogermyl pendant groups
Authors: Gill Rohama , Mazhar Muhammad , Siddiq Muhammad
Published: July 2010

Block copolymers having a pendant trichlorogermyl group as a part of polyamide segment(COR′CONHArNH)xCOR′COand polydimethylsiloxane of general formula [(COR′COHNArNH)xCOR′CONH(CH2)3SiO(CH3)2 ((CH3)2SiO)ySi(CH3)2(CH2)3 NH]n (where R′ = CH2CH(GeCl3), CH(CH3)CH(GeCl3), CH(GeCl3)CH(CH3); Ar = C6H4, (C6H3CH3)2, (C6H3OCH3)2, 2,5‐(CH3)2C6H2, C6H4OC6H4) were prepared by a polycondensation reaction and characterized using CHN and Ge analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and 1H NMR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and molecular weight determination. They have a lamellar structure with weight‐average molecular weight in the range 1.21 × 105–4.79 × 105 g mol−1. These copolymers display two glass transition temperatures and have an average decomposition temperature of 489 °C. TGA, FTIR and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry studies indicate that degradation of these block copolymers results in carbon monoxide, oligomeric siloxanes and polyamide fragments. They are thermally stable due to the hydrogen bonded interlinked chains of polyamide, while they absorb water due to the presence of GeCl bonding. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Proteomic and morphological analysis of early stages of wheat grain development
Authors: Nadaud Isabelle , Girousse Christine , Debiton Clément , Chambon Christophe , Bouzidi Mohamed Fouad , Martre Pierre , Branlard Gérard
Published: July 2010

The identification of 249 proteins in the first 2 wks of wheat grain development enabled the chronological description of the early processes of grain formation. Cell division involved expression of the enzymes and proteins of the cytoskeleton and structure, DNA repair and replication enzymes and cellular metabolism enzymes (synthesis of amino acids, cell wall initiation, carbon fixation and energy production, cofactors and vitamins) with a peak expression at 125°Cday (degrees day after anthesis). After the first synthesis of amino acids, protein transport mechanisms, translation signals, sugar metabolism (polymerization of protein) and stress/defence proteins were activated with stable expression between 150 and 280°Cday. Proteins responsible for folding and degradation, including different subunits of proteasome, were highly expressed at 195°Cday. Proteins associated with starch granules (GBSS type 1) were present at the beginning of grain formation and increased regularly up to 280°Cday. Heat shock proteins (HSP70, 80, 90) were expressed throughout the early grain development stages.
Social and Behavioral Influences on Team Process
Authors: Adams Susan L. , Anantatmula Vittal
Published: July 2010

Individual team members can be instrumental to the success or failure of a project. This article will explore social and behavioral influences of an individual on the project team and how those behaviors impact the team's social behaviors. Literature review is used to present a discussion of the development of self-identity and an explanation of how an individual's social and behavioral tendencies can influence the formation of social identity, group emotion, group mood, and emotional intelligence. Using literature review findings, a model is developed to demonstrate the progressive stages of social and behavioral development from the self to the team, as related to team process development. In conclusion, a list of recommendations for managing team members at each stage of team development is presented.
Attitude-Based Strategic Negotiation for Conflict Management in Construction Projects
Authors: Yousefi Saied , Hipel Keith W. , Hegazy Tarek
Published: July 2010

An innovative negotiation methodology for managing conflicts in construction projects is presented in this article where multiple decision makers are involved. The proposed negotiation methodology has a unique ability to consider the attitudes of the decision makers, which is an important psychological factor in the negotiations that take place in various stages of a construction project. The methodology is developed at the strategic level of decision making in which the graph model for conflict resolution (GMCR) is employed in assisting decision makers, such as project managers, to achieve the best strategic decision, given the competing interests and attitudes of the decision makers. A real-life case study is used to illustrate how the proposed methodology can be conveniently applied in practice and to demonstrate the importance and the benefits of incorporating the attitudes of multiple decision makers into the negotiation process in order to better identify the most feasible resolutions. The proposed negotiation methodology has been implemented in a negotiation decision support system that assists project managers in tackling real-world controversies, particularly in complex disputes that occur in construction projects.
Effect of substituent groups of porphyrins on the electroluminescent properties of porphyrin‐doped OLED devices
Authors: Zhu Lin‐Jian , Wang Jian , Reng Tie‐Gang , Li Chun‐Yan , Guo Dong‐Cai , Guo Can‐Cheng
Published: July 2010

Six tetraphenylporphyrins (TRPPH2) with different horizontal substituents R (R = H, CH3, OH, F, Cl, Br) were synthesized, and the organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) devices with a general configuration of ITO/TPD/Alq3:2%TRPPH2/Alq3/Al were prepared. The substituted TRPPH2 was used as the host dopant, 4,4‐bis‐(m‐tolyphenylamino)biphenyl (TPD) was used as a hole‐transporting material, and aluminum tris(8‐quinolinolato) (Alq3) was used as an electron‐transporting material. The electroluminescent (EL) properties of these devices were studied to understand the light emitting properties of the substituted TRPPH2. Previous studies have found that the color emitted by the devices was dependent on the TRPPH2 dye concentration. The electronic effect of the horizontal substituents R of TRPPH2 influenced the turn‐on voltage, brightness, and power efficiency of the devices. Also, the electroluminescence performance of the porphyrin‐doped OLED devices depended on the effectual overlaps between the emission of electron‐transporting material and the absorption of the dopants. This means that it is possible to evaluate the electroluminescence performance of the porphyrin‐doped OLED devices based on the emission of electron‐transporting material and the absorption of the dopants. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Matrix isolation and magnetic parameters of septet 3,5‐dicyanopyridyl‐2,4,6‐trinitrene
Authors: Chapyshev Sergei V. , Neuhaus Patrik , Grote Dirk , Sander Wolfram
Published: July 2010

Septet 3,5‐dicyanopyridyl‐2,4,6‐trinitrene was synthesized together with quintet 2‐azido‐3,5‐dicyanopyridyl‐4,6‐dinitrene, quintet 4‐azido‐3,5‐dicyanopyridyl‐2,6‐dinitrene, triplet 2,6‐diazido‐3,5‐dicyanopyridyl‐4‐nitrene, and triplet 2,4‐diazido‐3,5‐dicyanopyridyl‐6‐nitrene by photolysis of 2,4,6‐triazido‐3,5‐dicyanopyridine in solid argon at 4 K. The electronic and magnetic properties of the matrix‐isolated nitrenes were studied using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy in combination with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The fine‐structure parameters of the nitrenes were determined with high accuracy from spectral simulations. All signals in the EPR spectra of the nitrenes, randomly oriented in the solid phase, were unambiguously assigned based on eigenfield calculations of the Zeeman energy levels and angular dependences of resonance fields. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Degradation and adsorption of terbuthylazine and chlorpyrifos in biobed biomixtures from composted cotton crop residues
Authors: Kravvariti Konstantina , Tsiropoulos Nikolaos G , Karpouzas Dimitrios G
Published: July 2010

BACKGROUND: Biobeds have been well studied in northern Europe, whereas little is known regarding their use in southern Europe. The degradation and adsorption of terbuthylazine (TA) and chlorpyrifos (CP) were studied in three different biomixtures composed of composted cotton crop residues, soil and straw in various proportions, and also in sterilised and non‐sterilised soil.

RESULTS: Compost biomixtures degraded the less hydrophobic TA at a faster rate than soil, while the opposite was evident for the more hydrophobic CP. These results were attributed to the rapid abiotic hydrolysis of CP in the alkaline soil (pH 8.5) compared with the lower pH of the compost (6.6), but also to the increasing adsorption (Kd = 746 mL g−1) and reduced bioavailability of CP in the biomixtures compared with soil (Kd = 17 mL g−1), as verified by the adsorption studies.

CONCLUSIONS: Compost had a dual but contrasting effect on degradation that depended on the chemical nature of the pesticide studied: a positive effect towards TA owing to increasing biodegradation and a negative effect towards CP owing to increasing adsorption. Overall, composted cotton crop residues could be potentially used in local biobed systems in Greece, as they promoted the degradation of hydrophilic pesticides and the adsorption of hydrophobic pesticides. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Young caregiving and HIV in the UK: caring relationships and mobilities in African migrant families
Authors: Evans Ruth
Published: July 2010

Recent research in Sub‐Saharan Africa has revealed the importance of children's caring roles in families affected by HIV and AIDS. However, few studies have explored young caregiving in the context of HIV in the UK, where recently arrived African migrant and refugee families are adversely affected by the global epidemic. This paper explores young people's socio‐spatial experiences of caring for a parent with HIV, based on qualitative research with 37 respondents in London and other urban areas in England. In‐depth semi‐structured interviews were conducted with young people with caring responsibilities and mothers with HIV, who were predominantly African migrants, as well as with service providers. Drawing on their perspectives, the paper discusses the ways that young people and mothers negotiate the boundaries of young people's care work within and beyond homespace, according to norms of age, gender, generational relations, and cultural constructions of childhood. Despite close attachments within the family, the emotional effects of living with a highly stigmatised life‐limiting illness, pressures associated with insecure immigration status, transnational migration, and low income undermined African mothers' and young people's sense of security and belonging to homespace. These factors also restricted their mobility and social participation in school/college and neighbourhood spaces. While young people and mothers valued supportive safe spaces within the community, the stigma surrounding HIV significantly affected their ability to seek support. The paper identifies security, privacy, independence, and social mobility as key dimensions of African young people's and mothers' imagined futures of ‘home’ and ‘family’. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
From urban wastelands to new‐build gentrification: The case of Swiss cities
Authors: Rérat Patrick , Söderström Ola , Piguet Etienne , Besson Roger
Published: July 2010

Gentrification represents an important aspect of the transformation of socio‐demographic structures in many cities around the world. The definition of this concept has been extended in recent years to cover different processes of social upgrading and to incorporate a plurality of forms, protagonists, and spaces. The notion of ‘new‐build gentrification’ is part of this process of redefinition. Because of its strong connections with global socioeconomic trends, the adoption of regeneration and densification policies along with the emergence of numerous new urban districts, Switzerland offers a particularly interesting case in which to study this specific form of gentrification. In this paper, we first provide an assessment of the residential attractiveness of Swiss core cities for the middle to upper class. We then study new housing projects in Zurich and Neuchâtel. Our focus on the actors involved in these projects brings original results to the debates surrounding the driving forces behind new‐build gentrification. Empirical material is drawn from official statistics, questionnaires relating to inhabitant profiles, interviews concerned with the strategies of actors in the real‐estate market, and planning policy documents. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Luminescent and scintillation properties of CsI:Tl films grown by the liquid phase epitaxy method
Authors: Zorenko Yu. , Voznyak T. , Turchak R. , Fedorov A. , Wiesniewski K. , Grinberg M.
Published: July 2010

CsI:Tl films have been crystallized by the liquid phase epitaxy (LPE) method from CsI:Tl (0.3 mol.%) crystalline salt onto CsI substrates. The luminescent and scintillation properties of CsI:Tl films are systematically compared with the corresponding properties of CsI:Tl (0.3 and 0.03%) crystals grown from the melt. The luminescence of CsI:Tl films and CsI:Tl (0.03%) crystals in the bands peaked at 2.52 and 2.22 eV is related to the radiative relaxation from the weak‐off and strong‐off configurations of excitons localized around Tl+ ions, respectively. Apart from single Tl+ centers, in highly doped CsI:Tl (0.3%) crystals creation of Tl+ dimer centers occurs. These centers form the additional emission bands peaked at 2.42 and 1.98 eV related to the weak‐off and strong‐off configurations of excitons localized around Tl+ dimer centers. We found that the dominant mechanism of excitation of the strong‐off luminescence of localized excitons in CsI:Tl films and crystals is the charge‐transfer transition between I– anions and Tl+ ions in single and dimer centers.
Enhancements of emission rates and efficiencies by surface plasmon coupling
Authors: Okamoto Koichi , Kawakami Yoichi
Published: July 2010

Surface plasmon (SP) coupling technique was applied to several InGaN/GaN‐based single and multiple quantum wells (QWs) which have various emission wavelengths to understand detail mechanism and consider the possibility of plasmonic light‐emitting diodes (LEDs). The coupling efficiencies from exciton to SP and from SP to photon were estimated by the time‐resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) measurements. We found that the SP enhanced internal quantum efficiencies (IQEs) of emission reached almost 100% at the best matched wavelength. This should be applicable to super bright LEDs at any wavelength by optimizing the best SP coupling condition. Possible device structures of plasmonic LEDs were also proposed and discussed. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Temperature dependence of normally off mode AlGaN/GaN heterostructure field‐effect transistors with p‐GaN gate
Authors: Sugiyama Takayuki , Iida Daisuke , Iwaya Motoaki , Kamiyama Satoshi , Amano Hiroshi , Akasaki Isamu
Published: July 2010

We demonstrated high‐temperature operation of normally off‐mode junction‐heterostructure‐field‐effect transistors (JHFETs) with a p‐GaN gate that shows a very small shift of the threshold voltage against ambient temperature. Distinct normally off‐mode operation with a maximum drain current of 93.2 mA/mm at 300 °C was realized. Therefore, normally off‐mode GaN‐based JFETs are greatly superior to Si‐based devices as high‐temperature switching devices. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A scalable EE_HEMT based large signal model for multi‐finger AlGaN/GaN HEMTs for linear and non‐linear circuit design
Authors: Zomorrodian Valiallah , Pei Yi , Mishra Umesh K. , York Robert A.
Published: July 2010

A scalable non‐linear large signal model based on the ADS EE_HEMT model was developed for AlGaN/GaN HEMTs for use in linear and non‐linear circuit design. Excellent agreement between simulations and measurements was obtained for the DC, small signal and large signal power and efficiency performance including load‐pull and source‐pull contours. Excellent scalability of the model was also demonstrated (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Modeling and performance analysis of high‐speed, low‐power InAs nanowire field‐effect transistors
Authors: Khayer M. Abul , Lake Roger K.
Published: July 2010

The performance metrics of InAs nanowire (NW) field‐effect transistors (FETs) are investigated using an analytical 2‐band model and a semiclassical ballistic transport model. The analysis of the diameter dependence of the current, gate delay, power‐delay product, and energy‐delay product of InAs NW FETs are presented. Because of their small density of states, relatively large diameter, ≤ 60 nm, InAs NW FETs operate in the quantum capacitance limit (QCL). Both the energy‐delay and power‐delay products are reduced as the diameter is reduced, and optimum designs are obtained for diameters in the range of 10 – 40 nm. Power‐delay product varies from 2 × 10–20 J to 63 × 10–20 J for all devices with a source Fermi level range of 0.1 – 0.2 eV. The gate delay time for all devices varies from 4 – 16 fs and decreases as the NW diameter increases. These NW FETs provide both ultra‐low power switching and high‐speed (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
High frequency performance of Ga free barrier AlInN/GaN HEMT
Authors: Crespo A. , Bellott M. , Chabak K. , Gillespie J. K. , Jessen G. H. , Kossler M. , Trimble V. , Trejo M. , Via G. D. , Winningham B. , Smith H. E. , Walker D. , Cooper T. , Gao X. , Guo S.
Published: July 2010

In this work we present the highest frequency performance reported to date of an AlInN/GaN HEMT with a 2×150 μm configuration. The frequency performance reached was of a measured fT of 107 GHz and an fmax of 89.5 GHz. The device has an IDSS of 1.1 A/mm at a VGS of 0 V, an Imax of 1.3 A/mm at VGS of 1 V, and a gm‐peak of 395 mS/mm. The gate length, LG, was 122 nm and a total barrier thickness, tbar, of 10.1 nm. This gives us an LG/tbar ratio of 12.1 with a high ft·LG product of 13 GHz·μm. The thin barrier thickness greatly contributed to the high frequency performance of the device by reducing the short channel effects. The contact resistance of a TLM structure next to the tested device is 0.42 Ω·mm. The epitaxial layer was grown by MOCVD on a 3” SiC substrate. Hall measurements, after passivation, revealed an average material sheet resistance, Rsheet, of 219 Ω/□, a sheet carrier concentration of 2.2×1013cm‐2, and a mobility of 1320 cm2/V‐s. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Cryptolepine, isolated from Sida acuta, sensitizes human gastric adenocarcinoma cells to TRAIL‐induced apoptosis
Authors: Ahmed Firoj , Toume Kazufumi , Ohtsuki Takashi , Rahman Mahmudur , Sadhu Samir Kumar , Ishibashi Masami
Published: July 2010

Bioassay guided separation of Sida acuta whole plants led to the isolation of an alkaloid, cryptolepine (1), along with two kaempferol glycosides (2–3). Compound 1 showed strong activity in overcoming TRAIL‐resistance in human gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS) cells at 1.25, 2.5 and 5 μm. Combined treatment of 1 and TRAIL sensitized AGS cells to TRAIL‐induced apoptosis at the aforementioned concentrations. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Testing for qualitative interactions between stages in an adaptive study
Authors: Parker Robert A.
Published: July 2010

I consider the underlying structure for a test of qualitative interaction of a treatment when assessing heterogeneity between stages in an adaptive trial. Since decisions about the clinical utility of a drug are based on the balance of risks and benefits, a quantitative interaction in treatment efficacy across different groups could lead to qualitatively different decisions. Thus, the difference between quantitative and qualitative interactions is not a true dichotomy. I show that the standard tests for qualitative interactions (Gail and Simon,Biometrics1985; 41:361–372; Piantadosi and Gail,Statist. Med.1993; 12:1239–1248) are very conservative in this application. Theoretical calculations in a simpler situation confirm that the published criteria are very conservative, which may help explain why the tests are known to have very low power to detect interaction. I introduce the concept of ‘minimum detectable effect’, which is the smallest effect that a study could identify as statistically significant. I propose that important heterogeneity between stages in an adaptive trial be identified when two criteria are met. First, at least one individual stage must be below the overall study mean by at least the minimum detectable effect. Second, using an appropriate critical value based on simulations, there must be statistically significant heterogeneity between the stages. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regression analysis applied to PVC histories: A Statistical procedure for evaluating antiarrhythmic drug efficacy
Authors: Berry Donald A. , Fox Terrance L.
Published: July 2010

Suppression of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) is one of the goals of antiarrhythmic therapy. In a clinical trial, however, it may be difficult to distinguish antiarrhythmic drug effect from spontaneous variation in PVCs. We propose the application of linear regression to PVC histories to ascertain drug effect in individual patients. The model determines which variables are important in explaining a patient's PVCs. One such variable indicates the presence or absence of the drug; the model determines whether the drug has an effect on the patient's PVCs, while compensating for the other explanatory variables. In addition to determining the statistical significance of any drug effect, the model estimates the strength of the effect for each patient. We demonstrate the method with data from a three‐day clinical trial which used 24‐hour Holter monitoring. The method is flexible and can be modified to apply to any clinical study design. It allows for inferences concerning populations and subpopulations of patients.
A Comparison of two methods for calculating expected mortality
Authors: Hartz Arthur J. , Giefer Eldred E. , Hoffmann Raymond G.
Published: July 2010

A number of statistics based on person‐years of survival have use in mortality studies. However, calculation of an expected number of deaths based on person‐years of survival and standard death rates cannot be justified. We derive a new method to estimate expected mortality based on a model which assumes that each individual contributes to expected mortality from the time he enters the study until the study ends, regardless of whether he dies during the study. This model shows that what is referred to as expected mortality in the person‐years method is a biased estimate of expected mortality. The variance of observed mortality under this new model is substantially less than the variance commonly used with the person‐years method.
A Method for determining the sampling ratio in epidemiologic studies
Authors: Morgenstern Hal , Winn Deborah M.
Published: July 2010

This paper presents a new method for determining the optimal sampling ratio and sample size in different types of study designs involving binary exposure and disease variables. The sampling ratio is optimized by maximizing cost efficiency, which is the ratio of the precision in effect estimation to the total sampling cost. One may easily compute the optimal sampling ratio with a hand calculator, and it is independent of the sample sizes of the compared groups. Optimal sample sizes obtain from use of the optimal sampling ratio in the appropriate asymptotic power function for comparing two proportions or rates with unequal sample sizes. We illustrate the method with a case‐control design, compare it with other methods for optimizing the sampling strategy, and discuss it in a practical context.
Adolescent girls' experiences of underlying social processes triggering stress in their everyday life: a grounded theory study
Authors: Haraldsson Katarina , Lindgren Eva‐Carin , Mattsson Bengt , Fridlund Bengt , Marklund Bertil
Published: July 2010

The aim of this study was to generate a theoretical model of underlying social processes that trigger stress in adolescent girls' everyday life. In‐depth interviews regarding the experiences of stress at home, school and during leisure time were conducted with 14 17‐year‐old schoolgirls. Data were analysed by means of the grounded theory method. Stress was triggered in the interaction between responsibility and the way in which the girls were encountered. Triggered emotional reactions took the form of four dimensions of stress included ambivalence, frustration, despair and downheartedness. These reactions were dependent on whether the girls voluntary assumed responsibility for various situations or whether they were forced, or felt they were being forced, to assume responsibility in interaction with an encounter characterized by closeness or distance. These forms of stress reactions could appear in one dimension and subsequently shift to another. From the public health perspective, the generated stress model can be used in the planning and implementation of future actions to prevent stress and promote well‐being related to stress in adolescent girls. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.