bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Response of the summer atmospheric circulation over East Asia to SST variability in the tropical Pacific
Authors: Nagata Rena , Mikami Takehiko
Published: April 2009

General circulation over East Asia and its linkages with sea surface temperature (SST) variability over the tropical Pacific is investigated for the 1958–2000 period. The western edge of the North Pacific subtropical high (NPSH) index (SHI) is defined from pentad 31 (May 31 to June 4) to pentad 49 (August 29 to September 2). A southwestward extension of the SHI has been observed since 1980. The changes in the NPSH are associated with SST warming in the tropical eastern Pacific and Indian Ocean. On the basis of the SHI, years with western, eastern, southern and northern displacement of the NPSH are defined as WD, ED, SD and ND years. WD and SD years occur after 1980. Climatologically, the subsidence is located around 30°N in the western Pacific. This subsidence area corresponds to the NPSH region. Before pentad 40 in WD and SD years, associated with warm SST anomalies, circulation anomalies show an ascending motion over the tropical eastern Pacific and Indian Ocean. This ascending motion induces the anomalous subsidence over the tropical western Pacific and causes the southwestward extension of the NPSH. After pentad 40 (July 15–19), the seasonal evolution of WD years is different from the SD years. After pentad 40 in WD years, associated with large warm SST anomalies over the tropical eastern Pacific and Indian Ocean, the strong anomalous ascending motion strengthens the anomalous subsidence in the western tropical Pacific and leads to the lack of the eastward contraction of the NPSH. In SD years, warm SST anomalies over the tropical eastern Pacific and Indian Ocean weakened after pentad 40. Correspondently, the weakened anomalous ascending motion over these regions provides the weak anomalous subsidence over the tropical western Pacific. The weakened anomalous subsidence leads to the eastward contraction of the NPSH after pentad 40 similar to the climatological evolution. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
On the interannual wintertime rainfall variability in the Southern Andes
Authors: González M. H. , Vera C. S.
Published: April 2009

The paper concentrates on the analysis of the interannual variability of wintertime rainfall in the Southern Andes. Besides the socio‐economic relevance of the region, mainly associated with hydroelectric energy production, the study of the climate variability in that area has not received as much attention as others along the Andes. The results show that winter rainfall explains the largest percentage of regional total annuals. A principal component analysis (PCA) of the winter rainfall anomalies showed that the regional year‐to‐year variability is mostly explained by three leading patterns. While one of them is significantly associated with both the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), and the Southern Annular Mode (SAM), the other two patterns are significantly related to interannual changes of the sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the tropical Indian Ocean. Specifically, changes in the ocean surface conditions at both tropical basins induce in the atmospheric circulation the generation of Rossby wave trains that extend along the South Pacific towards South America, and alter the circulation at the region under study. The relationship between variability in the Indian Ocean and the Andes climate variability has not been previously addressed. Therefore, this result makes a significant contribution to the identification of the sources of predictability in South America with relevant consequences for future applications in seasonal predictions. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Relationship between moisture budget components over the eastern Mediterranean
Authors: Jin Fengjun , Zangvil Abraham
Published: April 2009

Atmospheric water vapor budget analysis is carried out in a rectangular domain of 3.04 × 105 km2, over the eastern Mediterranean (EM) using NASA GOES‐1 reanalysis gridded (2.50 longitude by 20 latitude) data set, for a period of eight rainy seasons (October–April) in 1985–1993. All days have been divided into 6 groups, based on rainfall amount, and the relationships between daily water vapor budget components have been studied in relation to precipitation amounts.

We found that the mean rainy season precipitation, P over the study region is, about 260 mm. The highest precipitation category (over 2.2 mm/day) contributed 63% of the total rainfall, and the next category (0.9 to 2.2 mm/day) contributed another 22%. These two rainfall categories were accompanied by deep upper troughs extending from the Black Sea to Crete and a mean sea level (MSL) cyclone near Cyprus. For the rest of the rainfall categories the upper air flow was nearly zonal, with no clear MSL cyclonic activity. The western boundary exhibited a net moisture inflow, increasing with rainfall amount. The southern boundary moisture inflow becomes significant only for the highest rainfall category.

The correlation between P and both inflow and outflow was (+0.45), in agreement with similar studies over the US Midwest in summer. However, in contrast to the latter studies – our study shows no correlation between P and moisture flux divergence (MFD). A possible explanation for this is that winter rainfall over the Eastern Mediterranean is mostly associated with cold fronts, whereas in the Midwest convective rain develops in the warm sector, near the maximum MFD. Finally, both, recycling ratio R, and the correlation between daily P and E support the idea that rainfall over the EM originates, at least partly, in humidity evaporating from the Sea within the region. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Precipitation pattern in the Baltic countries under the influence of large‐scale atmospheric circulation and local landscape factors
Authors: Jaagus Jaak , Briede Agrita , Rimkus Egidijus , Remm Kalle
Published: April 2009

The main objectives of the study are to analyse the mean precipitation pattern in the Baltic countries (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania) and the influence of local landscape factors on it, to derive a regionalization, i.e. select regions having coherent fluctuations in precipitation, and to analyse relationships between precipitation and characteristics of the large‐scale atmospheric circulation. Monthly precipitation data from 123 stations in the Baltic countries from 1966 to 2005 are analysed in relation to 52 landscape variables and 13 circulation variables. The landscape variables characterize landscape around the meteorological stations: land cover, land surface elevation, distance from the sea coast, the proportion of water bodies and of forested area. Circulation is described using several circulation indices and frequencies of the main circulation types according to the Vangengeim‐Girs and the Grosswetterlagen classifications. Maps depicting the mean annual and seasonal precipitation are created and analysed in the aspect of spatial and temporal autocorrelation. The Baltic Sea proved to be the main factor determining precipitation pattern in the study region. The presence of different precipitation zones parallel to the coastline is typical for the windward lowland region, whereas the belt of maximum precipitation is located at 10–60 km from the coast. Surface elevation is the second important factor causing higher precipitation on uplands. Rotated principal component analysis enabled to compose a regionalization of precipitation pattern in the Baltic countries. Four main precipitation regions having coherent fluctuations (south‐western, south‐eastern, north‐eastern and north‐western) are defined. Correlations between the variables of atmospheric circulation and precipitation are analysed. The intensity of westerlies is significantly positively correlated with the amount of winter precipitation, especially in the belt of maximum precipitation located at a moderate distance from the sea. Precipitation in the Baltic countries is less related to the meridional circulation types. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Impact of organic‐manure combinations on the productivity and soil quality in different cropping systems in central India
Authors: Ramesh Pedaprolu , Raten Panwar Nav , Bahadur Singh Amar , Ramana Sivakoti , Subba Rao Annangi
Published: April 2009

In a field experiment, the effect of combination of different organic manures on the productivity of crops and soil quality were evaluated in deep vertisols of central India. Combinations of cattle dung manure (CDM), poultry manure (PM), and vermicompost (VC) vis‐à‐vis mineral fertilizers were tested in four cropping systems involving soybean (Glycine max L.), durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.), mustard (Brassica juncea L.), chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), and isabgol (Plantago ovata Forsk). The organic manures were applied based on the N‐equivalent basis and nutrient requirement of individual crop. The grain yields of durum wheat and isabgol were higher in the treatment that received a combination of CDM + VC + PM whereas in mustard, CDM + PM and in chickpea, CDM + VC recorded the higher yields. The yield levels in these organic‐manure combinations were similar to the yields obtained with mineral fertilizers. Among the cropping systems, soybean–durum wheat and among the nutrient sources, the combination of CDM + VC + PM recorded the highest total productivity. At the end of the 3‐year cropping cycle, application of organic manures improved the soil‐quality parameters viz., soil organic carbon (SOC), soil available nutrients (N, P, and K), soil enzymes (dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase), and microbial biomass C in the top 0–15 cm soil. Bulk density and mean weight diameter of the soil were not affected by the treatments. Among the cropping systems, soybean–durum wheat recorded the highest SOC and accumulated higher soil available N, P, and K. In conclusion, the study clearly demonstrated that the manures applied in different combinations improved the soil quality and produced the grain yields which are at par with mineral fertilizers.
Coal fly ash–based synthetic aggregates as potential alternative container substrates for ornamentals
Authors: Jayasinghe Guttila Y. , Tokashiki Yoshihiro , Kitou Makoto , Kinjo K.
Published: April 2009

This research was carried out to study the characteristics and the potential utilization of coal fly ash–based synthetic aggregates (CSA) with oil palm waste as an alternative container substrate for ornamental‐plant production. CSA only, oil palm waste only, and two mixing ratios of CSA with oil palm waste at the ratio of 1:5 and 1:10 (V/V) were utilized under this study. Zeolite was utilized as a standard substrate to compare characteristics of other substrates. The physical and chemical properties of all substrates were characterized. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of coal fly ash and CSA were conducted in order to study the structural configuration of the CSA. Developed CSA gave an alkaline pH (9.82), high electrical conductivity (96.1 mS m–1), high cation concentrations, high water‐holding capacity, and low bulk density (0.56 g cm–3) compared to zeolite. Mixing of CSA with oil palm waste at the ratio of 1:10 gave enhanced physical and chemical properties such as bulk density (0.25 g cm–3), particle density (1.76 g cm–3), air space (20.6%), total pore space (85.8%), total water‐holding capacity (652 mL L–1), pH (6.18), and electrical conductivity (42.4 mS m–1), which were in the established ideal substrate range. Moreover, SEM study revealed that CSA is a dual‐composite material, which had well enmeshed coal–fly ash particles in the fibrous paper‐waste matrix creating porous spaces within the aggregate. The growth of French marigold (Tagetes patula), which is a popular ornamental plant in Japan, was assessed using these newly developed substrates. The mixing ratio of CSA and oil palm wastes at 1:10 reported the best maximum growth and yield parameters of French marigold, with increase in shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, root fresh weight, root dry weight, plant height, and number of flowers per plant by 51%, 93%, 54%, 150%, 19%, and 61%, respectively, compared to the zeolite. It is revealed that a mixture of CSA and oil palm waste at the ratio of 1:10 can be successfully utilized as an alternative container substrate for French marigold production.
The role of root border cells in aluminum resistance of pea (Pisum sativum) grown in mist culture
Authors: Yu Min , Shen Renfang , Liu Jiayou , Chen Rongfu , Xu Miaomiao , Yang Yong , Xiao Hongdong , Wang Huizhen , Wang Huoyan , Wang Changquan
Published: April 2009

Root border cells are considered to contribute to aluminum (Al) resistance by protecting the root apex from Al toxicity. In the present study, the responses of root apices of pea (Pisum sativum) to Al exposure in mist culture with border cells stripped off or not were compared. Inhibition of root elongation, induction of callose synthesis, and accumulation of Al were more pronounced in root apices stripped from border cells. Aluminum application led to higher Al concentrations in border cells than in root apices. The same trend was found for Al contents in cell walls of border cells compared to root apices. The analysis of cell‐wall pectin indicated that the concentrations of total sugars, uronic acids, and 2‐keto‐3‐deoxyoctonic acid (KDO) were higher in border cells than in root apices, especially when exposed to Al. Together, these results suggest that root border cells enhance the Al resistance of root apices by immobilizing Al in their cell‐wall pectin, thus protecting the root apex.
Sulfur speciation in well‐aerated and wetland soils in a forested catchment assessed by sulfur K‐edge X‐ray absorption near‐edge spectroscopy (XANES)
Authors: Prietzel Jörg , Thieme Jürgen , Tyufekchieva Nora , Paterson David , McNulty Ian , Kögel‐Knabner Ingrid
Published: April 2009

In forested catchments, retention and remobilization of S in soils and wetlands regulate soil and water acidification. The prediction of long‐term S budgets of forest ecosystems under changing environmental conditions requires a precise quantification of all relevant soil S pools, comprising S species with different remobilization potential. In this study, the S speciation in topsoil horizons of a soil toposequence with different groundwater influence and oxygen availability was assessed by synchrotron‐based X‐ray absorption near‐edge spectroscopy (XANES). Our investigation was conducted on organic (O, H) and mineral topsoil (A, AE) horizons of a Cambisol–Stagnosol–Histosol catena. We studied the influence of topography (i.e., degree of groundwater influence) and oxygen availability on the S speciation. Soil sampling and pretreatment were conducted under anoxic conditions. With increasing groundwater influence and decreasing oxygen availability in the sequence Cambisol–Stagnosol–Histosol, the C : S ratio in the humic topsoil decreased, indicating an enrichment of soil organic matter in S. Moreover, the contribution of reduced S species (inorganic and organic sulfides, thiols) increased systematically at the expense of intermediate S species (sulfoxide, sulfite, sulfone, sulfonate) and oxidized S species (ester sulfate, SO$ _4^{2-} $). These results support the concept of different S‐retention processes for soils with different oxygen availability. Sulfur contents and speciation in two water‐logged Histosols subject to permanently anoxic and temporarily oxic conditions, respectively, were very different. In the anoxic Histosol, reduced S accounted for 57% to 67% of total S; in the temporarily oxic Histosol, reduced S was only 43% to 54% of total S. Again, the extent of S accumulation and the contribution of reduced S forms to total S closely reflected the degree of O2 availability. Our study shows that XANES is a powerful tool to elucidate key patterns of the biogeochemical S cycling in oxic and anoxic soil environments. In contrast to traditional wet‐chemical methods, it particularly allows to distinguish organic S compounds in much more detail. It can be used to elucidate microbial S‐metabolism pathways in soils with different oxygen availability by combining soil inventories and repeated analyses of a sample in different stages of field or laboratory incubation experiments under controlled boundary conditions and also to study (sub)microspatial patterns of S speciation in aggregated soils.
Effect of compaction on pore functions of soils in a Saalean moraine landscape in North Germany
Authors: Gebhardt Stephan , Fleige Heiner , Horn Rainer
Published: April 2009

Soil compaction and related changes of soil physical parameters are of growing importance in agricultural production. Different stresses (70, 230, 500, and 1000 kPa) were applied to undisturbed soil core samples of eight typical soils of a Saalean moraine landscape in N Germany by means of a confined compression device to determine the effect on (1) total porosity/pore‐size distribution, (2) saturated hydraulic conductivity, and (3) air conductivity to assess the susceptibility towards compaction. Different deformation behaviors after exceeding the mechanical strength particularly resulted from a combination of soil characteristics like texture and initial bulk density. The saturated hydraulic conductivity, as an indicator for pore continuity, was largely affected by the volume of coarse pores (r² = 0.82), whereas there was no relationship between bulk density and saturated hydraulic conductivity. Since coarsely textured soils primarily possess a higher coarse‐pore fraction compared to more finely textured soils, which remains at a high level even after compaction, only minor decreases of saturated hydraulic conductivity were evident. The declines in air conductivity exceeded those in hydraulic conductivity, as gas exchange in soils is, besides the connectivity of coarse pores, a function of water content, which increases after loading in dependence of susceptibility to compaction. A soil‐protection strategy should be focused on more finely textured soils, as stresses of 70 kPa may already lead to a harmful compaction regarding critical values of pore functions such as saturated hydraulic conductivity or air capacity.
Effects of phosphate‐solubilizing microorganisms on strawberry yield and nutrient concentrations
Authors: Güneş Adem , Ataoğlu Nizamettin , Turan Metin , Eşitken Ahmet , Ketterings Quirine M.
Published: April 2009

Phosphorus (P)‐solubilizing bacteria and fungi can increase soil‐P availability, potentially enhancing crop yield when P is limiting. We studied the effectiveness of Bacillus FS‐3 and Aspergillus FS9 in enhancing strawberry (Fragaria × ananasa cv. Fern) yield and mineral content of leaves and fruits on a P‐deficient calcareous Aridisol in Eastern Anatolia, Turkey. The 120 d pot experiment was conducted in three replicates with three treatments (Bacillus FS‐3, Aspergillus FS9, control) and five increasing rates of P addition (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 kg P ha–1). Fruit yield and nutrient content of fruits and leaves and soil P pools were determined at the end of the experiment. Phosphorus‐fertilizer addition increased all soil P fractions. Strawberry yield increased with P addition (quadratic function) reaching a maximum of 94 g pot–1 at 200 kg P ha–1 in the absence of P‐solubilizing microorganisms. At this yield level, Bacillus FS‐3 and Aspergillus FS9 inoculation resulted in P‐fertilizer savings of 149 kg P ha–1 and 102 kg P ha–1, respectively. Both microorganisms increased yields beyond the maximum achievable yield with sole P‐fertilizer addition. Microorganism inoculation increased fruit and leaf nutrient concentrations (N, P, K, Ca, and Fe) with the largest increases upon addition of Bacillus FS‐3. We conclude that Bacillus FS‐3 and Aspergillus FS9 show great promise as yield‐enhancing soil amendments in P‐deficient calcareous soils of Turkey. However, moderate additions of P fertilizer (50–100 kg ha–1) are required for highest yield.
The intensity of the 1602 cm−1 band in human cells is related to mitochondrial activity
Authors: Pully Vishnu Vardhan , Otto Cees
Published: April 2009

We report a Raman band at 1602 cm−1 in the spectra of human cells, which previously had only been observed in mitochondria of yeast cells. This band, which has not yet been assigned to a particular molecular species, was found to occur in HeLa cells, peripheral blood lymphocytes, human mesenchymal stem cells and bovine chondrocytes. The band is proposed as an indicator of the activity of mitochondria in cells. Cells were cultured with and without serum or temporarily deprived of serum. The band can be observed for all these variations in cell culture methodology. The band intensity decreases under the influence of an increase of the calcium ion concentration in the surrounding medium. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deep‐UV tip‐enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Taguchi Atsushi , Hayazawa Norihiko , Furusawa Kentaro , Ishitobi Hidekazu , Kawata Satoshi
Published: April 2009

We report for the first time the tip‐enhancement of resonance Raman scattering using deep ultraviolet (DUV) excitation wavelength. The tip‐enhancement was successfully demonstrated with an aluminum‐coated silicon tip that acts as a plasmonic material in DUV wavelengths. Both the crystal violet and adenine molecules, which were used as test samples, show electronic resonance at the 266‐nm excitation used in the experiments. With results demonstrated here, molecular analysis and imaging with nanoscale spatial resolution in DUV resonance Raman spectroscopy can be realized using the tip‐enhancement effect. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman spectroscopic study of the arsenite mineral vajdakite [(Mo6+O2)2(H2O)2As3+2O5]·H2O
Authors: Čejka Jiří , Bahfenne Silmarilly , Frost Ray L. , Sejkora Jiří
Published: April 2009

Raman spectra of vajdakite, [(Mo6+O2)2(H2O)2As$_{2}^{3+}$O5]·H2O, were studied and interpreted in terms of the structure of the mineral. The Raman spectra were compared with the published infrared spectrum of vajdakite. The presence of dimolybdenyl and diarsenite units and of hydrogen bonded water molecules was inferred from the Raman spectra which supported the known and published crystal structure of vajdakite. MoO and OH···O bond lengths were calculated from the Raman spectra. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Promoter hypermethylation of tumor‐related genes in peritoneal lavage and the prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Kamiyama Hidenori , Noda Hiroshi , Takata Osamu , Suzuki Koichi , Kawamura Yutaka , Konishi Fumio
Published: April 2009

Background and Objectives

The predictive value of free cancer cells in the peritoneal fluid of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) remain to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic relevance of the methylation of tumor‐related genes detected in the peritoneal lavage fluid (PLF) of patients undergoing a resection for CRC.

Methods

The promoter methylation pattern of four target genes, CDH1, CDKN2A (p16), MGMT, and APC, was examined in 51 primary CRC and corresponding matched PLF DNA. The relative methylation levels of these genes in primary CRC tissue and paired PLF were assessed by quantitative methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction (QMSP).

Results

An aberrant methylation of at least one gene was found in 45 of 51 (88%) primary tumors. In matched PLF specimens, the frequencies of aberrant promoter methylation detected for each marker were 16% for CDH1, 2% for p16, 4% for MGMT and 24% for APC. Patients with PLF demonstrating the methylation of more than one of these four target genes demonstrated significantly shorter relapse‐free survival.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that disseminated tumor cells in PLF detected by QMSP may correlate with the postoperative clinical course of patients undergoing curative surgery for CRC. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:69–74. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The role of surgery in breast cancer patients with isolated bone metastases at the time of diagnosis
Authors: Turanli Sevim
Published: April 2009

Background

Surgery for the primary tumor in breast cancer patients with synchronous isolated bone metastasis is applied for palliation. The aim was to determine whether surgical removal of the primary tumor provides a better survival and disease progression.

Methods

Forty‐four patients were diagnosed between the dates June 2004 and January 2007 and these patients are classified according to the removal of the primary tumor or not. Patients and tumor characteristics, removal of the primary tumor, and response to systemic therapy are examined as the factors that were affecting overall survival and time to progression of the disease.

Results

The median follow‐up time was 37.5 months. Mean time to progression and overall survival was longer for the patients who received surgery than the patients who did not (20.4 vs. 18.4 months and 57.6 vs. 44.5 months, respectively), but these were not significant (P = 0.58, P = 0.39). In multivariate analysis, response to systemic treatment [(P = 0.03), hazard ratio = 0.44, 95% confidence interval = 0.20–0.93] was independent factor associated with overall survival.

Conclusion

The response to systemic therapy is the major factor on survival in the breast cancer patients with isolated bone metastasis. Excision of the primary tumor has no effect on time to progression and overall survival. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:95–99. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Studies on the oxygen atom transfer reactions of peroxomonosulfate: Oxidation of lactic acid
Authors: Andal P. , Murugavelu M. , Shailaja S. , Ramachandran M. S.
Published: April 2009

Kinetics of oxidation of lactic acid by peroxomonosulfate (PMS) catalyzed by Ni(II) ions has been studied in aqueous buffered (sodium acetate‐acetic acid) medium. The reaction follows first order in [PMS] and [Ni(II)] and inverse first order in [H+]. The effect of pH on the rate suggests that both HSO and SO are the active forms of the oxidant. The intermolecular reaction between HSO and nickel lactate results in hydroperoxide intermediate in the rate‐limiting step. The deprotonated form of PMS, SO, gives a lactate‐nickel‐peroxomonosulfate intermediate, which then undergoes intramolecular oxidation–reduction reaction. The thermodynamic parameters also support the kinetic scheme. Comparison with (nickel) glycolate shows that the electron‐donating methyl group in lactic acid enhances the nucleophilic interaction of the α‐hydroxyl group. A suitable mechanistic scheme is also proposed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 41: 449–454, 2009
Application of 1‐Allyl‐3‐(1‐butyl)imidazolium Chloride in the Synthesis of Cellulose Esters: Properties of the Ionic Liquid, and Comparison with Other Solvents
Authors: Fidale Ludmila C. , Possidonio Shirley , El Seoud Omar A.
Published: April 2009

The ionic liquid (IL), 1‐allyl‐3‐(1‐butyl)imidazolium chloride (AlBuImCl), has been synthesized and its properties determined. Increase in the temperature increased its conductivity and decreased its density, polarity, and viscosity. Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), dissolves in this IL by heating at 80 °C; this did not affect its degree of polymerization, decreased its index of crystallinity (Ic), and changed in morphology after regeneration. Convenient acylation of MCC was achieved by using 50% excess anhydride at 80 °C, for 24 or 48 h for acetic and butyric anhydride, respectively. The composition of the mixed esters depended on the initial ratio of the anhydrides, and their order of addition.

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Novel High‐Strength Thermoplastic Starch Reinforced by in situ Poly(lactic acid) Fibrillation
Authors: Jiang Long , Liu Bo , Zhang Jinwen
Published: April 2009

In recent years TPS has attracted more and more research interest as a promising replacement for commodity polymers in some applications. In this paper, a novel manufacturing technology to produce PLA fiber reinforced biodegradable TPS composite, and the microstructure and tensile properties of the composite, were first reported. PLA micro/sub‐micro fibers were generated in situ by elongational flow during die extrusion and subsequent hot stretching. The addition of 10% PLA significantly increased the drawability of TPS. Compared to direct extrusion, hot stretching tripled the tensile strength of the composite to 34 MPa. Extensive PLA fibrillation was evident in the composite. The generated PLA fibers measured ca. 400 nm in diameter with a large L/D ratio.

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Cinematic success criteria and their predictors: The art and business of the film industry
Authors: Simonton Dean Keith
Published: April 2009

The author reviewed the empirical research on the factors underlying the success of feature‐length narrative films. After specifying some methodological caveats, the review examined the three main criteria by which a film's success can be evaluated: critical evaluations (both early and post‐theatrical run), financial performance (including first weekend and gross), and movie awards (including dramatic, visual, technical, and music categories). To what extent do these criteria represent distinct aesthetic and economic assessments? The review then turned to the various predictors of these success criteria. How is success connected with the film's production and distribution characteristics? To what extent do the predictors converge and diverge across alternative criteria? The article then closes with a discussion of some psychological issues raised by the reviewed findings. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Creativity and integrity: Marketing the “in development” screenplay
Authors: Ferguson Brooks
Published: April 2009

This study's purpose was to explore the relationship between creativity and integrity in the ideation phase of feature filmmaking. Integrity refers to one's self‐defined ability to maintain authenticity and moral autonomy while preserving one's sense of membership and loyalty to the team or organization. When team members choose elements for the screenplay's story that they feel will attract the ideal audience, the dynamic tension between creativity and integrity is most apparent. The forces at play during this phase of work yielded the research question: In what ways and to what degree do screenwriters and'or studio executives feel their personal integrity is in alignment with the creative process of feature film development? Several concepts from the literature formed the design around which 23 active screenwriters and studio executives employed by the seven major and two of the minor U.S. motion picture studios were interviewed. The researcher's Creative Integrity Alignment Model yielded the hypothesis that the more aligned participants' individual integrity is with the creative process of feature film development, the more innovative they can be. From this hypothesis, anecdotal evidence was gathered from contributors to one of this year's most successful films to discover the potential relationship between integrity alignment and a film's performance in the marketplace. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Values of protagonists in best pictures and blockbusters: Implications for marketing
Authors: Beckwith Douglas Charles
Published: April 2009

Understanding the personal values of protagonists in films can provide a foundation upon which to build film marketing campaigns. The research discussed below focused on the personal values of protagonists in 93 films comprising three samples released in the United States between 1996 and 2005 noteworthy for their eminent creativity and/or high profitability. The method used was content analysis with coding based on the adaptations of the Rokeach value descriptors. The most important personal values related to goals were determined to be family security, self‐respect, a sense of accomplishment, and true friendship (in all three samples); mature love and wisdom (in two samples); and inner harmony and national security (in one sample each). The most important personal values related to desirable behaviors were being ambitious, capable, courageous, helpful, loving, and responsible (in all three samples); and being honest (in one sample). Longitudinal analyses of the value hierarchies that changed in significance from beginning to end of the films indicated a shift from selfconcern and materialism to societal concerns and altruism. The content analysis methodology used in this study has implications for marketing professionals in that it reveals means of analyzing popular films as source material to garner insights into the personal values of the consumers who attend the films. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Do experts and novices evaluate movies the same way?
Authors: Plucker Jonathan A. , Kaufman James C. , Temple Jason S. , Qian Meihua
Published: April 2009

Do experts and novices evaluate creativity the same way? This question is particularly relevant to the study of critical and public response to movies. How do public opinions differ from movie critic opinions? This study assessed college student (i.e., novice) ratings on movies released from 2001 to 2005 and compared them to expert opinions and those of self‐declared novices on major movie rating Web sites. Results suggest that the student ratings overlapped considerably—but not overwhelmingly—with the self‐described novices, student ratings correlated at a lower magnitude with critic ratings, and the ratings of students who saw the most movies correlated more highly with both critics and self‐described novices than those of students who saw the least movies. The results suggest a continuum of creative evaluation in which the distinctions between categories such as “novice,” “amateur,” and “expert” are blurry and often overlap—yet the categories of expertise are not without importance. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Kinetics of Core‐Shell Nanoparticle Formation by Two‐Dimensional Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
Authors: de Luzuriaga Alaitz Ruiz , Pomposo José A. , Grande Hans , Etxeberria Agustin
Published: April 2009

We have studied the kinetics of polymeric nanoparticle formation for poly(styrene‐block‐4‐vinylpyridine) [P(S‐b‐4‐VPy)], chains in a non‐selective solvent using 1,4‐dibromobutane (DBB) as a cross‐linker by means of different nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy techniques. The kinetic process was followed using 1H, 13C, and 2‐D Heteronuclear Single Quantum Correlation (HSQC) NMR experiments. The kinetic data obtained from 2‐D HSQC and 1H NMR experiments were in good agreement between them, proving the reliability of the 2‐D HSQC NMR technique for the in situ study of the kinetics of core‐shell nanoparticle formation. A value of 1.5 × 10−5 s−1 was determined for the apparent kinetic constant of the P(S‐b‐4‐VPy)‐DBB core‐shell nanoparticle formation process.

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Synthesis and Self‐Assembly of pH‐Responsive Amphiphilic Poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate)‐block‐Poly(pentafluorostyrene) Block Copolymer in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Tan Beng H. , Gudipati Chakravarthy S. , Hussain Hazrat , He Chaobin , Liu Ye , Davis Thomas P.
Published: April 2009

We report the synthesis of a novel pH‐responsive amphiphilic block copolymer poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate)‐block‐poly(pentafluorostyrene) (PDMAEMA‐b‐PPFS) using RAFT‐mediated living radical polymerization. Copolymer micelle formation, in aqueous solution, was investigated using fluorescence spectroscopy, static and dynamic light scattering (SLS and DLS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). DLS and SLS measurements revealed that the diblock copolymers form spherical micelles with large aggregation numbers,Nagg ≈ 30 where the dense PPFS core is surrounded by dangling PDMAEMA chains as the micelle corona. The hydrodynamic radii,Rhof these micelles is large, at pH 2–5 as the protonated PDMAEMA segments swell the micelle corona. Above pH 5, the PDMAEMA segments are gradually deprotonated, resulting in a lower osmotic pressure and enhanced hydrophobicity within the micelle, thus decreasing theRh. However, the radius of gyration,Rgremains independent of pH as the dense PPFS cores predominate.

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Some Issues Related to Polyaniline Micro‐/Nanostructures
Authors: Wan Meixiang
Published: April 2009

This feature article reviews the authors' work combined with highlighted specific aspects of polyaniline (PANI) macro/nanostructures, focusing on such issues as the following. 1) The new development of a hard‐template method. 2) Evaluation of a template‐free method in universality, controllability, and simplicity as well as the self‐assembly mechanism. 3) Multi‐functionality based on a template‐free method associated with other approaches. 4) Cooperation effect of a micelle soft‐template and molecular interactions as a new tool to complex 3D microstructures assembled from 2D or 1D nanostructures. 5) Electrical and transport properties of a single PANI nanotube, as measured by a four‐probe method. 6) Sensors guided by reversible switching wettability through a doping/de‐doping process. An outlook is also briefly given.

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The Gilch Synthesis of Poly(p‐phenylene vinylenes): Mechanistic Knowledge in the Service of Advanced Materials
Authors: Schwalm Thorsten , Wiesecke Jens , Immel Stefan , Rehahn Matthias
Published: April 2009

A consistent picture is presented of the mechanistic details and intermediates of the Gilch polymerization leading to poly(p‐phenylene vinylenes) (PPVs). In‐situ generated p‐quinodimethanes are shown to be the real monomers, and spontaneous formation of the initiating radicals is effected by dimerization of some of these monomers to dimer diradicals, the latter also being the reason why significant amounts of [2.2]paracyclophanes are formed as side‐products. Chain propagation predominantly proceeds by radical chain growth, occasionally interrupted by polyrecombination events between the growing α,ω‐macro‐diradicals. Based on this knowledge, oxygen is identified as a very efficient molar‐mass regulating agent, and the temporary gelation of the reaction mixtures is interpreted to be the consequence of a very high entanglement of the polymers immediately after their formation. Last but not least, it is rationalized why the usually considered constitutional defects in Gilch PPVs might not be the only and most relevant ones with respect to the efficiency and durability of the organic light emitting devices produced thereof, and why cis‐configurated halide‐bearing vinylene moieties should be perceived as being among the most critical candidates. These considerations result in the recommendation of straightforward measures that should lead to clearly improved PPVs.

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Calcium phosphate scaffolds fabricated via chemical bonding technique from different precursors
Authors: Kuznetsov A. , Larionov D. , Stepuk A. , Kuznetsov V. , Putlayev V. , Ivanov V.
Published: April 2009

Calcium phosphate bulk materials were fabricated via chemical bonding technique with the use of α‐tricalcium (TCP) and amorphous calcium phosphates (ACP) as binders at temperatures below 90 °C. The bonding technique included preparation of pastes of the binders with water, pressing the pastes into dense cylinders, and then hardening the cylinders in hot water. During the last step, hydrolytic conversion of TCP and ACP into small interpenetrating hydroxyapatite (HAp) crystals took place, providing pressed pastes of the binders with appropriate strength. The kinetics of α‐TCP hydrolysis leads to two distinct scaffold microstructures composed of platelet or needle‐like HAp crystals. Under optimal conditions of the bonding, the resulting materials demonstrated compressive strengths up to 90 MPa (and up to 145 MPa, when sodium citrate modifier of the paste is used), which is close to that one of a cortical bone. In contrast to TCP, ACP‐based samples exhibited lower strength, limiting them to use as non‐load bearing implant materials. To enhance mechanical properties, composites containing crystalline phases of HAP, β‐TCP and CaCO3 bonded by ACP binder were proposed. Low value of strength obtained for ACP‐based materials was attributed to extensive cracking resulted from stresses developing under setting of ACP.
Materials and coatings based on biopolymer‐apatite nanocomposites: obtaining, structural characterization and in‐vivo tests
Authors: Sukhodub L.
Published: April 2009

Present paper discusses the results obtained for three different nanocomposite systems, namely chitosan‐apatite, hydrogel‐HA and collagen‐apatite coatings onto Ti6Al4V substrates. Common analytical techniques such as X‐ray diffraction analysis, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy with X‐ray dispersive energy analysis were employed to characterize the resulting materials. Special attention was given to the in‐vivo tests of the obtained chitosan‐apatite composites using 48 linear laboratory rats at the age of 4 months. Using energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX) of HA nanoclusters, formed in hydrogel nanoreactor matrixes, the process of their formation depending on monomer nature and ratio, as well as on their consistent state was optimized. In case of microgranules based on homopolyacrylamide gel we observed almost ideal coincidence on the stochiometric composition with pure HA (Ca/P=1.67). Thermal substrate method recently proposed to obtain hydroxyapatite coating on titanium was used for high crystallinity hydroxyapatite deposition onto titanium‐based plate (TiAlV) at the physiological temperature. The coating was produced onto clear plates and onto collagen covered surfaces. The best pH value for depositing of the high crystallinity hydroxyapatite on a target was pH 6,15. Depositing speed was decreased with pH decreasing, and while pH value was increased up to 6,3 crystallinity was going down. Collagen has improved both the speed and the crystallinity of the deposited layers.
Epigenetic modulation of the retinoid X receptor α by green tea in the azoxymethane‐ApcMin/+ mouse model of intestinal cancer
Authors: Volate Suresh R. , Muga Stephanie J. , Issa Ala Y. , Nitcheva Daniela , Smith Theresa , Wargovich Michael J.
Published: April 2009

We investigated the possible mechanisms of inhibition of colorectal carcinogenesis by green tea (GT) in azoxymethane‐treated (AOM) ApcMin/+ mice. Mice received water or a 0.6% (w/v) solution of GT as the only source of beverage. GT treatment commenced at the 8th week of age and lasted for 8 wk. The treatment caused a statistically significant reduction in the number of newly formed tumors (28%, P < 0.05). Immunohistochemical analysis showed that GT decreased the levels of β‐catenin and its downstream target cyclin D1. To probe a mechanism, we further investigated the expression of retinoic X receptor alpha (RXRα) in AOM/ApcMin/+ tumors. Our results show that RXRα is selectively downregulated in AOM/ApcMin/+ mouse intestinal tumors. In contrast, other retinoic receptors including retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARα), RARβ, RXRβ, and RXRγ were all expressed in ApcMin/+ adenomas. Furthermore, our results show that RXRα downregulation is an early event in colorectal carcinogenesis and is independent of β‐catenin expression. GT significantly increased the protein levels of RXRα. In addition, RT‐PCR analysis showed that GT induced a similar increase in the levels of RXRα mRNA. Genomic bisulfite treatment of colonic DNA followed by pyrosequencing of 24 CpG sites in the promoter region of RXRα gene showed a significant decrease in CpG methylation with GT treatment. The results suggest that a low concentration of GT is sufficient to desilence RXRα and inhibit intestinal tumorigenesis in the ApcMin/+ mouse. Mol. Carcinog. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Symptom and gait changes after sensory attention focused exercise vs aerobic training in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Sage Michael D. , Almeida Quincy J.
Published: April 2009

The current study compared lower‐limb aerobic training and sensory attention focused exercise (PD SAFEx) to a non‐exercise control group with the overall objective of determining which strategy would have a greater benefit for Parkinson's disease (PD) symptoms and gait. PD SAFEx was developed to focus on sensorimotor deficits identified in PD with the aim of increasing sensory feedback and body awareness, while the lower‐limb aerobic training utilized a specially designed semi‐recumbent elliptical device. Intervention groups (PD SAFEx, n = 18; aerobic, n = 13) exercised three times/week for 10–12 weeks, while nonexercise control participants (n = 15) maintained their regular activity level for 12 weeks. Outcome measures included the Unified Parkinson's disease rating scale motor section (UPDRS) administered by a blinded clinician; a posture and gait (PG) score (total of UPDRS items 27–31); the Timed‐Up‐and‐Go (TUG); and spatiotemporal aspects of self‐paced gait. PD SAFEx resulted in an improved UPDRS, PG score, and TUG (reached significance when participants with poor attendance were excluded) but not self‐paced gait. The lower‐limb aerobic training led to increased step length and velocity but had no change to disease severity. Since gait improvements were not combined with symptomatic changes, lower‐limb aerobic exercise may not be optimal for individuals with PD. Conversely, sensory‐based exercise (PD SAFEx) was beneficial, and led to improvement in symptoms and functional movement control. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Recent developments in anti‐inflammatory natural products
Authors: Gautam Raju , Jachak Sanjay M.
Published: April 2009

Many of the inflammatory diseases are becoming common in aging society throughout the world. The clinically used anti‐inflammatory drugs suffer from the disadvantage of side effects and high cost of treatment (in case of biologics). Alternative to these drugs are traditional medicines and natural products, which offer a great hope in the identification of bioactive lead compounds and their development into drugs for treating inflammatory diseases. Since ancient times traditional medicines and phytopharmaceuticals are being used for the treatment of inflammatory and other disorders. The present review article describes anti‐inflammatory natural products derived from plants and marine sources reported during last decade. The compounds described belong to different chemical classes such as alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids, polyphenolics, phenylpropanoids, fatty acids and lipids, and various miscellaneous compounds. The attempt is also being made to enumerate the possible leads, e.g. curcumin, resveratrol, baicalein, boswellic acid, betulinic acid, ursolic acid, and oleanolic acid, for further development with the help of structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies and their current status. In addition SAR studies carried out on the anti‐inflammatory activity of flavonoid compounds and clinical studies performed on anti‐inflammatory natural products are also discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 29, No. 5, 767–820, 2009
Characterization of the cellular immune response in hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Zhang Xinjian , Dou Jun , Germann Markus W.
Published: April 2009

Hepatitis C virus (HCV), a hepatotropic RNA virus, is a major causative agent of chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinomas. The host immune responses, especially cellular immune responses, play an important role in viral clearance, liver injury, and persistent HCV infection. A thorough characterization of the HCV cellular immune responses is important for understanding the interplays between host immune system and viral components, as well as for developing effective therapeutic and prophylactic HCV vaccines. Recent advances that provide better understanding the cell immune responses in HCV infection are summarized in this article.  © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 29, No. 6, 843–866, 2009