bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: Trichodermatides A—D, Novel Polyketides from the Marine‐Derived Fungus Trichoderma reesei.
Authors: Sun Yi , Tian Li , Huang Jian , Ma Hong‐Yu , Zheng Zhe , Lv A‐Li , Yasukawa Ken , Pei Yue‐Hu
Published: June 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Chiral Ionic Liquids: Synthesis, Properties, and Enantiomeric Recognition.
Authors: Yu Shaofang , Lindeman Sergey , Tran Chieu D.
Published: June 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Recent Advances in the Stereoselective Synthesis of trans‐3,4‐Disubstituted‐piperidines: Applications to (‐)‐Paroxetine
Authors: De Risi Carmela , Fanton Giulia , Pollini Gian P. , Trapella Claudio , Valente Filippo , Zanirato Vinicio
Published: June 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Fifteen Years of Biological and Synthetic Studies of Decarestrictine Family
Authors: Riatto Valeria Belli , Pilli Ronaldo Aloise , Victor Mauricio Moraes
Published: June 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Golden Opportunities in Stereoselective Catalysis
Authors: Bongers Nadine , Krause Norbert
Published: June 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Carbohydrate Antigens Related to Shigella Dysenteriae Type 1 and of Their Protein Conjugates
Authors: Pozsgay Vince , Kubler‐Kielb Joanna
Published: June 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Oligosaccharide Synthesis with Glycosyl Phosphates
Authors: Codee Jeroen D. C. , Seeberger Peter H.
Published: June 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: 2′‐Carboxybenzyl Glycosides: A Novel Type of Glycosyl Donors and Their Application to Oligosaccharide Synthesis
Authors: Kim Kwan Soo , Jeon Heung Bae
Published: June 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Stereoselective Glycosylations Using Chiral Auxiliaries
Authors: Kim Jin‐Hwan , Yang Hai , Boons Geert‐Jan
Published: June 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Iodoamidation of Glycals: A Facile Preparation of 2‐Deoxy‐N‐glycosylamides
Authors: Marzabadi Cecilia H. , DeCastro Michael
Published: June 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of 9‐Substituted Sialic Acids as Probes for CD22‐Ligand Interactions on B Cells
Authors: Han Shoufa , Collins Brian E. , Paulson James C.
Published: June 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Recent Progress in the Chemistry of Allenes
Authors: Hassan Hammed H. A. M.
Published: June 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: A Strategy for Development of NSAIDs with Lower Risk for Side Effects
Authors: Mizushima Tohru
Published: June 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Electrostatic Charging Due to Separation of Ions at Interfaces: Contact Electrification of Ionic Electrets
Authors: McCarty Logan S. , Whitesides George M.
Published: June 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Development of Site Specific Gene Delivery System with Sonoporation
Authors: Suzuki Ryo , Oda Yusuke , Namai Eisuke , Takizawa Tomoko , Negishi Yoichi , Utoguchi Naoki , Tachibana Katsuro , Maruyama Kazuo
Published: June 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Principles of Protein—Protein Interactions: What Are the Preferred Ways for Proteins to Interact?
Authors: Keskin Ozlem , Gursoy Attila , Ma Buyong , Nussinov Ruth
Published: June 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Review of Estimation Models for Biodegradation
Authors: Pavan Manuela , Worth Andrew P.
Published: June 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: A Minireview of Available Skin Sensitization (Q)SARs/Expert Sytems
Authors: Patlewicz Grace , Aptula Aynur O. , Roberts David W. , Uriarte Eugenio
Published: June 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Review of (Quantitative) Structure—Activity Relationships for Acute Aquatic Toxicity
Authors: Netzeva Tatiana I. , Pavan Manuela , Worth Andrew P.
Published: June 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Isotope Effect on Chemical Shifts in Hydrogen‐Bonded Systems
Authors: Hansen Poul Erik
Published: June 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
Arthur von Weinberg: Wissenschaftler, Unternehmer, Mäzen, NS‐Opfer
Authors: Stolleis Michael
Published: June 2008

Im öffentlichen Bewusstsein sind die Brüder Arthur und Carl von Weinberg vielleicht wenig präsent. Aber bei den ehemaligen “Cassellanern”, in der Universität, im “Senckenberg”, im “Städel”, in der Frankfurter Gesellschaft für Handel, Industrie und Wissenschaft, bei den Leitern von Zoo oder Palmengarten, auf dem Rennplatz in Niederrad oder im dortigen Golfclub weiß man sehr wohl, wer die Brüder von Weinberg waren. Es sei versucht, die Geschichte der Familie Weinberg, insbesondere die von Arthur von Weinberg, aus fünf verschiedenen Perspektiven wenigstens anzudeuten.
Arthur von Weinberg: Chemiker, Naturforscher
Authors: Vollmann Hansjörg W.
Published: June 2008

Der aus der Industriellenfamilie Cassella – Gans – Weinberg stammende Chemiker Dr. Arthur von Weinberg hat, gemeinsam mit seinem Onkel Dr. Leo Gans und seinem Bruder Carl von Weinberg, die kleine, 1870 gegründete Farbenfabrik seines Onkels durch grundlegende, wissenschaftliche Erkenntnisse in der Naphthalinchemie und deren praktische Umsetzung um 1890 zur größten Azofarbenfabrik der Welt werden lassen. Er erkannte frühzeitig die Wichtigkeit der billig zu produzierenden Schwefelfarbstoffe, ebenso die wirtschaftliche Bedeutung von synthetischen Arzneimitteln. Für seine Verdienste um die chemische Industrie wurde er 1908 – zusammen mit seinem Bruder Carl – geadelt; seine Heimatstadt Frankfurt/Main ernannte den vielseitig tätigen Mäzen anlässlich seines 70ten Geburtstages zu ihrem 10. Ehrenbürger. Die Nationalsozialisten deportierten den 82 Jahre alten Chemiker in das Konzentrationslager Theresienstadt, wo er 1943 verstarb.
Effekte von Nikotin sind rezeptorabhängig
Authors: Welter Kira
Published: June 2008

Nikotin gehört zu den Substanzen mit dem höchsten Suchtpotential. Nach Einschätzungen der Weltgesundheitsorganisation (WHO) gibt es mehr als 1.3 Milliarden Raucher weltweit – Tendenz steigend. Nun hoffen Forscher aus den USA und der Schweiz, dass ihre neuesten Erkenntnisse zur Entwicklung besserer Therapien im Kampf gegen die Nikotinabhängigkeit beitragen. Sie haben herausgefunden, dass die kurz‐ und langfristigen Änderungen im Nikotinspiegel eines Rauchers unterschiedliche Rezeptoren‐Subtypen im Körper beeinflussen.
Baumring‐Kalender reicht zurück bis in die letzte Eiszeit
Authors: Feil Sylvia
Published: June 2008

Gletschereis und Baumringe sind natürliche Archive, die Rückschlüsse auf das Klima vergangener Jahrtausende ermöglichen. Nun gelang es, beide miteinander zu verknüpfen: Der exakte Baumring‐Kalender erweitert sich durch die Kombination mit dem Eisbohrkern‐Archiv und reicht nun bis 14.000 Jahre vor unserer Zeit zurück und damit in das Ende der letzten Eiszeit. Hierzu korrelierte eine internationale Forschergruppe um Raimund Muscheler von der Universität Lund, an der auch Forscher um Michael Friedrich von der Universität Hohenheim und der Heidelberger Akademie der Wissenschaften beteiligt waren, Beryllium aus Eisbohrkernen mit Radiokohlenstoff aus Baumringen.
External beam irradiation and the combination of cisplatin and carmustine followed by carmustine alone for the treatment of high‐grade glioma
Authors: Blumenthal Deborah T. , Rankin Cathryn , Eyre Harmon J. , Livingston Robert B. , Spence Alexander M. , Stelzer Keith J. , Rushing Elisabeth J. , Berger Mitchel S. , Rivkin Saul E. , Cohn Allen L. , Petersdorf Stephen H.
Published: June 2008

BACKGROUND.

The poor prognosis reported for patients with high‒grade glial neoplasms indicates a need for the development of multimodality therapeutic approaches. The addition of chemotherapy has contributed variably to increased survival. The objective of the current study (Southwest Oncology Group [SWOG] 9016) was to determine whether concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy with the combination of carmustine and cisplatin could be given safely in a cooperative group setting. Additional objectives included the estimation of response rate, the rate of disease stabilization, and the probability of 1‐year survival.

METHODS.

SWOG 9016 study included 59 eligible patients with grade III or IV astrocytoma who received radiotherapy concurrently with carmustine/cisplatin chemotherapy. Patients were required to have either measurable or evaluable disease. The therapeutic endpoints were comprised of complete response (CR), partial response (PR), or progressive disease (PD).

RESULTS.

Six patients achieved a CR (CR rate of 10%; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 4–21%), 4 achieved a PR (PR rate of 7%; 95% CI, 2–16%), and 2 patients (3%) experienced an unconfirmed response. Twenty‐four patients (41%; 95% CI, 28–54%) had stable disease and 10 patients (17%) demonstrated PD. The overall disease stabilization rate (CR + PR + stable disease, excluding unconfirmed response) was 58% (95% CI, 44–70%).

CONCLUSIONS.

Despite the presence of a cohort of long‒term survivors, the results of the current study do not appear to support the additional studyor routine use of concurrent cisplatin and carmustine. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Adjuvant treatments do not alter the quality of life in elderly patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Bouvier Anne‐Marie , Jooste Valérie , Bonnetain Franck , Cottet Vanessa , Bizollon Marie‐Hélène , Bernard Marie‐Pierre , Faivre Jean
Published: June 2008

BACKGROUND.

The current study was performed to longitudinally assess the impact of adjuvant treatments on the quality of life (QoL) of elderly colorectal cancer survivors.

METHODS.

The Burgundy Digestive Cancer Registry was used to select all patients aged ≥75 years who were diagnosed with colorectal cancer between 2003 and 2005. A total of 209 patients were asked to complete questionnaires during the first year after diagnosis: at the time of inclusion in the study (Q0), at 3 months after the initial diagnosis (Q3), at 6 months after the initial diagnosis (Q6), and at 12 months after the initial diagnosis (Q12) using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ‐C30. A total of 125 patients (60%) responded. Mixed model analyses of variance for repeated measurement were used to compare QoL scores according to therapeutic schemes. Interactions between time of follow‐up and treatment were tested.

RESULTS.

Patient sex, age, location of the tumor, and TNM stage of disease did not appear to differ significantly between respondents and nonrespondents. Global Health and Emotional Functioning improved for colon cancer survivors between Q0 and Q12, and were noted to improve between Q3 and Q12 for rectal cancer patients. According to French recommendations, patients who received chemotherapy for stage III colon cancer (P = .176) or radiotherapy for rectal cancer (P = .959) reported no significant changes in Global Health compared with those patients not receiving adjuvant therapies. Patients treated with chemotherapy reported better Physical Functioning than patients who did not received chemotherapy (P = .0113).

CONCLUSIONS.

To the authors' knowledge, the current study is the first to examine trends over time with regard to the influence of adjuvant treatments for colon and rectal cancers on QoL in a general aged population. Providing evidence that adjuvant chemotherapy for colon cancer has no negative impact on the QoL of elderly patients is of great significance in encouraging clinicians to treat this population. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Length‐Dependent Conductance of Molecular Wires and Contact Resistance in Metal–Molecule–Metal Junctions
Authors: Liu Hongmei , Wang Nan , Zhao Jianwei , Guo Yan , Yin Xing , Boey Freddy Y. C. , Zhang Hua
Published: June 2008

Molecular wires are covalently bonded to gold electrodes—to form metal–molecule–metal junctions—by functionalizing each end with a SH group. The conductance of a wide variety of molecular junctions is studied theoretically by using first‐principles density functional theory (DFT) combined with the nonequilibrium Green′s function (NEGF) formalism. Based on the chain‐length‐dependent conductance of the series of molecular wires, the attenuation factor β is obtained and compared with the experimental data. The β value is quantitatively correlated to the molecular HOMO–LUMO gap. Coupling between the metallic electrode and the molecular bridge plays an important role in electron transport. A contact resistance of 6.0±2.0 KΩ is obtained by extrapolating the molecular‐bridge length to zero. This value is of the same magnitude as the quantum resistance.
Electrochemical Oxidation of Dopamine in the Presence of Secondary Amine. An Alternative Way for Quantitative Dopamine Determination at a Gold Electrode
Authors: Łuczak Teresa
Published: June 2008

Electrooxidation of dopamine in the absence and presence of morpholine as a nucleophile was investigated on a gold electrode in phosphate buffer, pH 7. The results have shown that electrochemically produced dopaminoquinone undergoes an attack by morpholine via 1,4‐Michael addition. The reaction products have been identified by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS). The procedure used is suitable for quantitative dopamine determination in the presence of the ascorbic acid excess at a unmodified gold electrode.
TiC Working Electrode. Voltammetric Characteristics and Application for Determination of Lead Traces by Stripping Voltammetry
Authors: Baś B. , Piech R. , Niewiara E. , Ziemnicka M. , Stobierski L. , Kubiak W. W.
Published: June 2008

The TiC working electrode was tested as a novel, potential electrode for anodic stripping voltammetric determination of lead(II) ions traces. To demonstrate the practical applicability of the TiC electrode, an underpotential deposition/dissolution (UPD) phenomena system in electrolyte without removal of oxygen was tested. The electrode was constructed be means of mounting a TiC disk (Ø=3.5 mm) in a resin body. Three compositions of TiC were tested differing in stoichiometry, namely TiC0.6, TiC0.8, and TiC1.0. The key problem is the method of electrochemical activation of the TiC electrode. No or improperly activated electrode is not polarized and is unsuitable as a voltammetric sensor. The TiC electrode was used for the determination of Pb2+ in concentrations ranging from 1 to 100 nM. The instrumental parameters, composition of supporting electrolyte and procedures of the electrode activation were optimized. The repeatability of DP ASV runs in synthetic solutions covering the entire concentration range is better than 3%. The calibration curve is characterized by a correlation coefficient of at least 0.999. The detection limit was 2 nM for an electrodeposition time of 30 s. The method enables determination of Pb2+ in the presence of, among the others, high excesses of Cd, Cu, In, Sb, Se, and Tl ions as well as surfactants, Triton X‐100 and humic acids. The analysis of Pb2+ in synthetic solutions with and without surfactants, certified reference material and natural water samples have been performed. The voltammetric data were associated with the structural characterization of the electrode surface using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF).
Ruthenium Oxide Hexacyanoferrate Modified Electrode for Hydrogen Peroxide Detection
Authors: Paixão Thiago R. L. C. , Bertotti Mauro
Published: June 2008

A sensor for H2O2 amperometric detection based on a Prussian blue (PB) analogue was developed. The electrocatalytic process allows the determination of hydrogen peroxide at 0.0 V with a limit of detection of 1.3 μmol L−1 in a flow injection analysis (FIA) configuration. Studies on the optimization of the FIA parameters were performed and under optimal FIA operational conditions the linear response of the method was extended up to 500 μmol L−1 hydrogen peroxide with good stability. The possibility of using the developed sensor in medium containing sodium ions and the increased operational stability constitute advantages in comparison with PB‐based amperometric sensors. The usefulness of the methodology was demonstrated by addition‐recovery experiments with rainwater samples and values were in the 98.8 to 103% range.
Maximum likelihood estimators of population parameters from multiply censored samples
Authors: Aboueissa Abou El‐Makarim A.
Published: June 2008

Left‐censored data often arise in environmental contexts with one or more detection limits (DLs). Estimators of the parameters are derived for left‐censored data having multiple detection limits: DL1, DL2,…, DLk(k ≥ 3) assuming an underlying normal distribution. New method for calculating the maximum likelihood estimates (MLE) is given and examined for these cases. This method also applies to lognormally distributed environmental data with multiple distinct DLs. The performance of the new estimators is compared utilizing many simulated datasets. Examples are given illustrating the use of this method utilizing a computer program whose code is given in the Appendix section. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On surface tension modelling using the level set method
Authors: Shepel Sergey V. , Smith Brian L.
Published: June 2008

The paper describes and compares the performance of two options for numerically representing the surface tension force in combination with the level set interface‐tracking method. In both models, the surface tension is represented as a body force, concentrated near the interface, but the technical implementation is different: the first model is based on a traditional level set approach in which the force is distributed in a band around the interface using a regularized delta function, whereas in the second, the force is partly distributed in a band around the interface and partly localized to the actual computational cells containing the interface. A comparative study, involving analysis of several two‐phase flows with moving interfaces, shows that in general the two surface tension models produce results of similar accuracy. However, in the particular case of merging and pinching‐off of interfaces, the traditional level set model of surface tension produces an error that results in non‐converging solutions for film‐like interfaces (i.e. ones involving large contact areas). In contrast, the second model, based on the localized representation of the surface tension force, displays consistent first‐order convergence. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Slip effects and heat transfer analysis in a viscous fluid over an oscillatory stretching surface
Authors: Abbas Z. , Wang Y. , Hayat T. , Oberlack M.
Published: June 2008

In this study, we investigate the heat transfer problem in a viscous fluid over an oscillatory infinite sheet with slip condition. The sheet is moved back and forth in its own plane. The derived problem involves a dimensionless parameter indicating the relative magnitude of frequency to sheet stretching rate. A system of non‐linear partial differential equations is solved numerically using the finite‐difference scheme, in which a coordinate transformation is employed to transform the semi‐infinite physical space to a bounded computational domain. The physical features of interesting parameters on the velocity and temperature distributions are shown graphically and discussed. The values of the skin‐friction coefficient and the local Nusselt number are given in tabular form. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A hybrid building‐block and gridless method for compressible flows
Authors: Luo Hong , Baum Joseph D. , Löhner Rainald
Published: June 2008

A hybrid building‐block Cartesian grid and gridless method is presented to compute unsteady compressible flows for complex geometries. In this method, a Cartesian mesh based on a building‐block grid is used as a baseline mesh to cover the computational domain, while the boundary surfaces are represented using a set of gridless points. This hybrid method combines the efficiency of a Cartesian grid method and the flexibility of a gridless method for the complex geometries. The developed method is used to compute a number of test cases to validate the accuracy and efficiency of the method. The numerical results obtained indicate that the use of this hybrid method leads to a significant improvement in performance over its unstructured grid counterpart for the time‐accurate solution of the compressible Euler equations. An overall speed‐up factor from six to more than one order of magnitude and a saving in storage requirements up to one order of magnitude for all test cases in comparison with the unstructured grid method are demonstrated. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Healing of shock instability for Roe's flux‐difference splitting scheme on triangular meshes
Authors: Phongthanapanich Sutthisak , Dechaumphai Pramote
Published: June 2008

Healing of nonphysical flow solutions and shock instability from the use of Roe's flux‐difference splitting scheme is presented. The proposed method heals nonphysical flow solutions such as the carbuncle phenomenon, the shock instability from the odd–even decoupling problem, and the expansion shock generated from the violated entropy condition. The performance and efficiency of the proposed method are evaluated by solving several benchmark and complex high‐speed compressible flow problems. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seasonal prediction of European cereal prices: good forecasts using bad models?
Authors: Jumah Adusei , Kunst Robert M.
Published: June 2008

Because of their natural adherence to the climate and pronounced seasonal cycles, prices of field crops constitute an interesting field for exploring seasonal time series models. We consider quarterly prices of two major cereals: barley and wheat. Using traditional in‐sample fit and moving‐window techniques, we investigate whether seasonality is deterministic or unit‐root stochastic and whether seasonal cycles have converged over time. We find that seasonal cycles in the data are mainly deterministic and that evidence on common cycles across countries differs for the two commodities. Out‐of‐sample prediction experiments, however, yield a ranking with respect to accuracy that does not match the statistical in‐sample evidence. Parametric bootstrap experiments establish that the observed mismatch is indeed an inherent and systematic feature. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular and transcriptional characterization of 17p loss in B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Fabris Sonia , Mosca Laura , Todoerti Katia , Cutrona Giovanna , Lionetti Marta , Intini Daniela , Matis Serena , Colombo Monica , Agnelli Luca , Gentile Massimo , Spriano Mauro , Callea Vincenzo , Festini Gianluca , Molica Stefano , Lambertenghi Deliliers Giorgio , Morabito Fortunato , Ferrarini Manlio , Neri Antonino
Published: June 2008

Distinct genetic abnormalities, such as TP53 deletion at 17p13.1, have been identified as having adverse prognostic relevance in B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B‐CLL), and conventional cytogenetic studies have shown that TP53 deletion in B‐CLL is mainly associated with the loss of 17p due to complex chromosomal rearrangements. We used an integrative genomic approach to investigate the significance of 17p loss in 18 B‐CLLs in Binet stage A, carrying a TP53 monoallelic deletion detected by means of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Genome‐wide DNA analysis using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays of 12 of 18 samples showed 17p loss in 11 cases, with breakpoints scattered along the 17p11.2 region. FISH analysis confirmed these findings and revealed 17p loss in a small fraction of leukemic cells in the remaining TP53‐deleted case, and it also indicated 17p loss in the six cases not investigated by means of SNP arrays. Mutations in exons 2–11 of the remaining TP53 allele were found in 9 of 12 deleted samples. Gene‐expression profiling of 60 B‐CLLs, including seven patients with 17p loss, identified 40 differentially expressed genes in 17p‐ versus 17p normal samples, 35 of which were downregulated in 17p‐tumors. The majority (30 of 35) of these transcripts, including putative tumor suppressor genes, mapped to 17p, thus indicating a remarkable gene‐dosage effect. Our data provide evidence that 17p loss may play an additional pathogenetic role in B‐CLL and suggest that the concomitant loss of multiple tumor suppressor genes could be responsible for the highly adverse prognostic relevance associated with TP53 loss. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Metro Santiago – Design and Construction of Shallow Tunnels
Authors: Gomes Alexandre R. A. , Pimentel Karla C. A. , Houska Michael
Published: June 2008

In the early year 2000, the Santiago's subway network was comprised of not more than 40 km and 46 stations with only about a half of its network being underground construction, mainly cut and cover boxes. Nowadays, with the additional 17.5 km of new line extensions (Line 1 and 5), the subway network will achieve a considerable expansion reaching a total length of 104.5 km and 108 stations, with over 60 km of shallow mined tunnels and more than 70 underground stations. The construction of the new extensions of Line 1 (3.3 km) to the East and Line 5 to Maipu/West (14.2 km) have started in the beginning of 2007 and are planned to be completed in 2009. The mined tunnel sections of both lines include twelve large shallow underground stations and several intermediate ventilation and emergency exit shafts and tunnels. The present article describes some relevant aspects associated to the design and construction of shallow tunnels for the Metro Santiago and gives an insight into the current ongoing construction works of the new Line 5 extension.
Metro Istanbul – Kadıköy, an Underground Station Close to the Sea and Below a Historical Building
Authors: Ayaydin Nejad , Ekici Zafer , Walter Herbert
Published: June 2008

On the Asian side of Istanbul a 21.7 km long new metro system with 16 underground stations will run from the Bosphorus shipping pier Kadıköy to the suburb district Kartal in the southeast. The single track running tunnels will be constructed by means of two single shield TBM. Stations and switch tunnels are constructed with NATM. Driving at a depth of 25 to 35 m the rock is weathered and intensely fractured by tectonic processes. The area of Kadıköy station was a shallow harbor in the Ottoman time and has been filled up in the beginning of 20th century. Special care had to be taken to minimize settlements of the foundation of a historical building. In order to investigate the influence of the tunnel construction on settlements and to achieve an economic design of the primary lining at intersections a three‐dimensional time‐dependent finite element model has been developed. The Eurocode‐based design concept and numerical results are presented in some detail. The chosen design concept including a 30 cm shotcrete primary lining and additional protection by a pipe‐umbrella guaranteed a safe and economic construction and prevented damage to the historical building.
A brief cannabis‐associated problems questionnaire with less potential for bias
Authors: Lavender Jason M. , Looby Alison , Earleywine Mitch
Published: June 2008

Existing measures of problems associated with cannabis use may contain gender‐biased items. The Cannabis‐Associated Problems Questionnaire (CAPQ), a measure of occupational, social, and psychological problems related to cannabis use, contains items that men and women may endorse differentially. Gender discrepancies in CAPQ scores may indicate true differences in overall problem severity but could also signify the presence of biased items. Additionally, a short form could improve the measure's utility. Examination of responses from a large internet sample of current cannabis users revealed five items that functioned differentially for men and women, suggesting a potential for bias. Omitting these items resulted in a shorter scale with nearly identical psychometric properties. Correlations with cannabis use indices were comparable to those of the full scale, and the effect size for the difference between men's and women's responses did not change significantly. Thus, a short form of the CAPQ could benefit cannabis research. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A nonparametric decomposition of the Mexican American average wage gap
Authors: Mora Ricardo
Published: June 2008

This paper shows that average wage gap decompositions between any two groups of workers can be carried out using nonparametric wage structures. It also proposes an algorithm to correct for sample selection in nonparametric models known as tree structures. This paper studies the wage gap between third‐generation Mexican American and non‐Hispanic white workers in the southwest. It is shown that the decomposition heavily depends on functional assumptions, and that different aproaches to flexibility may render sufficiently good and similar results Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Testing for country heterogeneity in growth models using a finite mixture approach
Authors: Alfò Marco , Trovato Giovanni , Waldmann Robert J.
Published: June 2008

We define a bivariate mixture model to test whether economic growth can be considered exogenous in the Solovian sense. For this purpose, the multivariate mixture approach proposed by Alfò and Trovato is applied to the Bernanke and Gürkaynak extension of the Solow model. We find that the explanatory power of the Solow growth model is enhanced, since growth rates are not statistically significantly associated with investment rates, when cross‐country heterogeneity is considered. Moreover, no sign of convergence to a single equilibrium is found. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Standardized protocol to identify high‐risk patients undergoing therapeutic apheresis procedures
Authors: Lu Qun , Nedelcu Elena , Ziman Alyssa , Bumerts Pam , Fernando Leonor , Schiller Gary
Published: June 2008

As the scope of therapeutic apheresis (TA) expands and more procedures are requested for critically ill patients, adverse reactions (AR) associated with TA become a major concern for physicians, nurses, patients and their families. To assess the risks for ARs associated with patients' underlying diseases, we developed a preprocedure assessment tool with a set of high‐risk criteria which included: (1) unstable vital signs, (2) active nonphysiological bleeding, (3) evidence of severe bronchoconstriction, (4) severe anemia, (5) projected extracorporeal volume (ECV) >15% of total blood volume (TBV) in adults or >10% of TBV in pediatric patients, (6) pregnancy, and (7) conditions requiring continuous nursing support. A standard operating procedure with a “Request for Apheresis Procedure on High‐Risk Patient” form and protocol were developed to identify patients as high‐risk before initiation of a TA procedure. Here we report our experience in the 3‐year period following the implementation of this protocol. During this period, a total of 3,254 TA procedures were performed, 44 of which were for patients identified as high‐risk by the protocol. The incidence of overall ARs was 8% for all TA procedures and 45.5% for procedures performed for high‐risk patients. The incidence of moderate‐to‐severe ARs was 3.7% for all TA procedures and 36.4% for procedures performed for high‐risk patients. The protocol identified a group of patients with an increased risk for ARs, especially moderate‐to‐severe reactions during and/or immediately following TA. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Silver‐embedded granular activated carbon as an antibacterial medium for water purification
Authors: Bandyopadhyaya Rajdip , Sivaiah M. Venkata , Shankar P. A.
Published: June 2008

Silver (Ag) particle embedded granular activated carbon (GAC) was made for the first time to assess its ability in inhibiting the growth of Escherichia coli (E. coli), a water‐borne bacterial pathogen. Ag‐GAC was made by impregnating GAC with AgNO3 and then reducing it to metallic Ag. Plate assay showed slight inhibition of E. coli, even with Ag‐GAC prepared from 0.005 mol L−1 AgNO3, but this and shake flask tests showed a conspicuous effect only for higher concentrations of 0.1–1 mol L−1 AgNO3. Flow tests further indicated that Ag‐GAC made from 1.0 mol L−1 AgNO3 caused a desirable three orders of reduction in E. coli number concentration in less than 30 s. An optimum of 9–10.5 wt% of embedded Ag in the final Ag‐GAC product was necessary for the requisite complete inhibition of E. coli, killing bacteria in the contact‐mode for up to 350 L of flowing water. These results prove that Ag‐GAC possesses antibacterial properties and can be used for disinfection to produce potable quality water. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Seabream GnRH immunoreactivity in brain and pituitary of XX and XY Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus during early development
Authors: Swapna I. , Sudhakumari C. C. , Sakai F. , Sreenivasulu G. , Kobayashi T. , Kagawa H. , Nagahama Y. , Senthilkumaran B.
Published: June 2008

Seabream gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (sbGnRH)—the chief preoptic area‐hypothalamus (POA‐H) form of GnRH in tilapia is involved in sexual maturation. In this study, we investigated the qualitative changes in ontogeny of sbGnRH immunoreactivity (ir‐), between sexes to understand its impending role during sex differentiation. For this, the differences in immunocytochemical localization of sbGnRH in genetically male (XY) and female (XX) fish were studied from 1 day after hatching (dah), through the critical period of sex differentiation (7–21 dah) to 40 dah and mature Nile tilapia. Specific antisera against sbGnRH were used for immunolocalization. SbGnRH ir‐ neurons were observed in POA‐H as early as 5 and 15 dah in XY fish and XX fish, respectively. Higher ir‐ was detected in the POA‐H of XY tilapia compared with XX population till 10 dah. There was a qualitative drop in sbGnRH ir‐ neurons/cell bodies in POA‐H around 20 dah till 30 dah in XY population compared with other durations. SbGnRH ir‐ cells were detected in pituitary of XX fish by 15 dah and in XY fish around 10 dah but seemed to drop down by 20 dah in XY whereas it continued to remain steady in XX fish. The sbGnRH ir‐ in XY fish showed a rise from 35 dah and thence till 40 dah. This study revealed subtle differences in POA‐H and pituitary sbGnRH ir‐ during early development between genetic male and female fish with possible implications in sex differentiation. J. Exp. Zool. 309A:419–426, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Scanning electron microscopy of the fetal membranes of an oviparous squamate, the corn snake Pituophis guttatus (Colubridae)
Authors: Knight Siobhan M. , Blackburn Daniel G.
Published: June 2008

Although the fetal membranes of viviparous squamates have received much study, morphology of their homologues among oviparous reptiles is poorly understood. The scarcity of information about these membranes in egg‐laying reptiles hampers attempts to distinguish specializations for viviparity from ancestral oviparous features. We used scanning electron microscopy to examine fetal membranes of an oviparous snake (Pituophis guttatus) throughout the developmental period from oviposition to hatching. The external surface of the chorion contains broad, flattened cells that lack surface features; these cells form a continuous layer over the allantoic capillaries and offer a minimal barrier to respiratory exchange. In contrast, the surface epithelium of the omphalopleure bears elaborate surface ridges suggestive of absorptive capabilities. These ridges are prominent in the first few weeks after oviposition, but diminish thereafter. During development, the isolated yolk mass (IYM) of the omphalopleure becomes depleted, and the tissue becomes heavily vascularized by allantoic vessels. Surface features of the omphalopleure progressively take on the appearance of the chorioallantois, but the changes are not synchronous with loss of the IYM or membrane vascularization. Previous studies on viviparous snakes suggest that the chorioallantois and omphalopleure are respectively specialized for gas exchange and absorption in the intrauterine environment. Our studies of fetal membranes in P. guttatus offer evidence that cytological specializations for these functions originated under oviparous conditions, reflecting functional capacities that predate viviparity. J. Morphol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Low‐energy collision‐induced fragmentation of negative ions derived from diesters of aliphatic dicarboxylic acids made with hydroxybenzoic acids
Authors: Nishshanka Upul , Attygalle Athula B.
Published: June 2008

Diesters of ortho‐hydroxybenzoic acid (salicylic acid) made with glutaric, adipic, and pimelic acids are the monomers of some potential drug candidates for aspirin patches. Collision‐induced dissociation (CID) spectra of negative ion derived from these compounds show a 120‐Da ‘neutral loss’ specific to the ortho isomers. In contrast, the anions derived from diesters of meta‐ and para‐hydroxybenzoic acids show a 138‐Da loss for an elimination of elements of hydroxybenzoic acid by a charge‐remote mechanism. Deuterium labeling studies confirmed that the hydrogen atom transferred for hydroxybenzoic acid loss originates specifically from the α position of the dicarboxylic acid moiety. Although all spectra showed a peak at m/z 137, a charge‐mediated process specific for the ortho compounds renders it the most prominent peak in the spectra of ortho compounds. Appropriate deuterium labeling experiments demonstrated that the hydrogen atom transferred for the formation of the m/z 137 ion in ortho compounds is specifically derived from the α position of the dicarboxylic acid moiety. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An algorithm for thorough background subtraction from high‐resolution LC/MS data: application to the detection of troglitazone metabolites in rat plasma, bile, and urine
Authors: Zhang Haiying , Ma Li , He Kan , Zhu Mingshe
Published: June 2008

Interferences from biological matrices remain a major challenge to the in vivo detection of drug metabolites. For the last few decades, predicted metabolite masses and fragmentation patterns have been employed to aid in the detection of drug metabolites in liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) data. Here we report the application of an accurate mass‐based background‐subtraction approach for comprehensive detection of metabolites formed in vivo using troglitazone as an example. A novel algorithm was applied to check all ions in the spectra of control scans within a specified time window around an analyte scan for potential background subtraction from that analyte spectrum. In this way, chromatographic fluctuations between control and analyte samples were dealt with, and background and matrix‐related signals could be effectively subtracted from the data of the analyte sample. Using this algorithm with a ± 1.0 min control scan time window, a ± 10 ppm mass error tolerance, and respective predose samples as controls, troglitazone metabolites were reliably identified in rat plasma and bile samples. Identified metabolites included those reported in the literature as well as some that had not previously been reported, including a novel sulfate conjugate in bile. In combination with mass defect filtering, this algorithm also allowed for identification of troglitazone metabolites in rat urine samples. With a generic data acquisition method and a simple algorithm that requires no presumptions of metabolite masses or fragmentation patterns, this high‐resolution LC/MS‐based background‐subtraction approach provides an efficient alternative for comprehensive metabolite identification in complex biological matrices. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The electrothermal macromodel of switching voltage regulators from the L4970 family
Authors: Górecki Krzysztof
Published: June 2008

The paper concerns the problem of modelling switching voltage regulators from the L4970 family in SPICE with the phenomenon of self‐heating taken into account. The way of formulating the electrothermal macromodel of this class of circuits and its form are presented. The correctness of the formulated macromodel is verified experimentally on the example of the regulator L4975 operating in the switching stabilizer with the buck converter. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficient analysis of planar microwave circuits with mixed‐order prism vector finite macroelements
Authors: Karatzidis D. I. , Yioultsis T. V.
Published: June 2008

This paper introduces a new concept of a mixed‐order prism macroelement, suitable for an efficient analysis of three‐dimensional planar microwave circuits, using two‐dimensional meshes and preprocessors. The mixed‐order concept used here implies arbitrary orders of variation in different directions and differs essentially from the well‐known mixed‐order approximation that is an integral part of every Whitney element. It is the existence of a related systematic theory of higher‐order vector finite elements, previously documented, that facilitates the introduction of such a concept. The second‐ and third‐order elements, derived by this approach, are successfully applied in the analysis of planar microwave circuits, rendering the application of finite element method in such problems still a favorable option. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spectroscopic, structural and theoretical studies of 2‐methyl‐4‐nitroaniline (MNA) crystal. Electronic transitions in IR
Authors: Okwieka U. , Szostak M. M. , Misiaszek T. , Turowska‐Tyrk I. , Natkaniec I. , Pavlukojć A.
Published: June 2008

Polarized FT‐IR, Raman, neutron scattering (IINS), and UV‐Vis‐NIR spectra of 2‐methyl‐4‐nitroaniline (MNA) crystal plates, powder, and solutions were measured in the 10–50 000 cm−1 range. The FT‐IR spectrum of deuterated MNA (DMNA) in KBr pellet, the Raman spectrum of the DMNA powder as well as the EPR spectrum of the MNA powder were also recorded. Complete assignments of bands to normal vibrations have been proposed. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations of wavenumbers and potential energy distribution (PED) have been performed to strengthen the assignments. The analysis of vibrational and electronic spectra has revealed vibronic couplings in MNA molecules in solutions and in crystals. In the polarized FT‐IR spectra of the crystal five unusually large bands are observed in MIR and NIR regions. Their origin is discussed in terms of NH···O, CH···O, CH···HN hydrogen bonds, intermolecular charge transfers, electrostatic interactions, and ion radicals formation in the crystal. The role of a methyl group introduction to 4‐nitroaniline is analyzed. The crystal structure of MNA at the room temperature was re‐investigated. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.