bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solution‐Deposited Zinc Oxide and Zinc Oxide/Pentacene Bilayer Transistors: High Mobility n‐Channel, Ambipolar, and Nonvolatile Devices
Authors: Pal Bhola Nath , Trottman Phylicia , Sun Jia , Katz Howard E.
Published: June 2008

A solution processed n‐channel zinc oxide (ZnO) field effect transistor (FET) was fabricated by simple dip coating and subsequent heat treatment of a zinc acetate film. The field effect mobility of electrons depends on ZnO grain size, controlled by changing the number of coatings and zinc acetate solution concentration. The highest electron mobility achieved by this method is 7.2 cm2 V−1 s−1 with On/Off ratio of 70. This electron mobility is higher than for the most recently reported solution processed ZnO transistor. We also fabricated bilayer transistors where the first layer is ZnO, and the second layer is pentacene, a p‐channel organic which is deposited by thermal evaporation. By changing the ZnO grain size (or thickness) this type of bilayer transistor shows p‐channel, ambipolar and n‐channel behavior. For the ambipolar transistor, well balanced electron and hole mobilities are 7.6 × 10−3 and 6.3 × 10−3 cm2 V−1 s−1 respectively. When the ZnO layer is very thin, the transistor shows p‐channel behavior with very high reversible hysteresis. The nonvolatile tuning function of this transistor was investigated.
Nanoscale Membrane Strips for Benign Sensing of HgII Ions: A Route to Commercial Waste Treatments
Authors: El‐Safty Sherif A. , Prabhakaran Deivasigamani , Kiyozumi Yoshimichi , Mizukami Fujio
Published: June 2008

The integration of actively‐functional receptors into nanoscale networks outperformed competent detection devices and other ion‐sensing designs. Synthesis of azo chromophores with long hydrophobic tails showed an ecofriendly sensing and an extreme selectivity for divalent mercury analytes. In order to tailor the tip to HgII ion‐sensing functionality, we manipulated the chromophores into nanoscale membrane discs, which led to small, easy‐to‐use optical sensor strips. The design of these hydrophobic probes into ordered pore‐based membranes transformed the ion‐sensing systems into smart, stable assemblies and portable laboratory assays. The nanosensor membrane strips with chemical and mechanical stability allowed for reversible, stable and reusable detectors without any structural damage, even under rigorous chemical treatment for several numbers of repeated cycles. The optical membrane strips provided HgII ion‐sensing recognition for both cost‐ and energy‐saving systems. Indeed, the synthetic strips proved to have an efficient ability for various analytical applications, targeting especially for on‐site and in situ chemical analyses, and for continuous monitoring of toxic HgII ions. On the proximity‐sensing front, these miniaturized nanomembrane strips can revolutionize the consumer and industrial market with the introduction of the probe surface‐mount naked‐eye ion‐sensor strips.
Surface Engineered Carboxymethylchitosan/Poly(amidoamine) Dendrimer Nanoparticles for Intracellular Targeting
Authors: Oliveira Joaquim M. , Kotobuki Noriko , Marques Alexandra P. , Pirraco Rogério P. , Benesch Johan , Hirose Motohiro , Costa Silgia A. , Mano João F. , Ohgushi Hajime , Reis Rui L.
Published: June 2008

Novel highly branched biodegradable macromolecular systems have been developed by grafting carboxymethylchitosan (CMCht) onto low generation poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers. Such structures organize into sphere‐like nanoparticles that are proposed to be used as carriers to deliver bioactive molecules aimed at controlling the behavior of stem cells, namely their proliferation and differentiation. The nanoparticles did not exhibit significant cytotoxicity in the range of concentrations below 1 mg mL−1, and fluorescent probe labeled nanoparticles were found to be internalized with highly efficiency by both human osteoblast‐like cells and rat bone marrow stromal cells, under fluorescence‐activated cell sorting and fluorescence microscopy analyses. Dexamethasone (Dex) has been incorporated into CMCht/PAMAM dendrimer nanoparticles and release rates were determined by high performance liquid chromatography. Moreover, the biochemical data demonstrates that the Dex‐loaded CMCht/PAMAM dendrimer nanoparticles promote the osteogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow stromal cells, in vitro. The nanoparticles exhibit interesting physicochemical and biological properties and have great potential to be used in fundamental cell biology studies as well as in a variety of biomedical applications, including tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Fatalities in the landscape and horticultural services industry, 1992–2001
Authors: Buckley Jessie Poulin , Sestito John P. , Hunting Katherine L.
Published: June 2008

Background

Although landscape and horticultural services workers have high injury and illness rates, little is known about fatalities in this industry.

Methods

Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries and Current Population Survey data were analyzed to determine fatality rates and causes of landscaping deaths from 1992 to 2001.

Results

There were 1,101 fatalities during the 10‐year period and the average fatality rate was 13.50 deaths per 100,000 full‐time employees. In 2001, the landscaping fatality rate was 3.33 (95% CI 2.84–3.91) times the all industry rate. The leading causes of death were transportation incidents (27%), contact with objects or equipment (27%), falls (24%), exposure to harmful substances and environments (18%), and assaults and violent acts (4%). The fatality rate for African American landscapers was 1.51 (95% CI 1.25–1.83) times the rate for white workers. Fatalities were also common among self‐employed, small business, and young landscapers.

Conclusions

Landscaping workers are at increased risk of fatal injury. Further research is needed to characterize industry hazards. Am. J. Ind. Med. 51:701–713, 2008. Published 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Novel β‐galactosidase gene mutation p.W273R in a woman with mucopolysaccharidosis type IVB (Morquio B) and lack of response to in vitro chaperone treatment of her skin fibroblasts
Authors: Gucev Zoran S. , Tasic Velibor , Jancevska Aleksandra , Zafirovski Georgi , Kremensky Ivo , Sinigerska Ivanka , Nanba Eiji , Higaki Katsumi , Gucev Filip , Suzuki Yoshiyuki
Published: June 2008

The patient is a 24‐year‐old woman who first came for consultation at age 10 years. Based on clinical phenotype and thin‐layer chromatography of urinary oligosaccharides, peripheral leukocytes were sent for β‐galactosidase assay. This testing showed a deficiency in enzyme activity, and gene mutation analysis identified a previously reported mutation p.H281Y (875C > T) and a novel mutation p.W273R (817T > C). Unlike previously reported patients, mutant enzymes in this patient's cultured skin fibroblasts did not respond to treatment with a chaperone compound, N‐octyl‐4‐epi‐β‐valienamine. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A 7 Mb duplication at 22q13 in a girl with bipolar disorder and hippocampal malformation
Authors: Pramparo Tiziano , de Gregori Manuela , Gimelli Stefania , Ciccone Roberto , Frondizi Domenico , Liehr Thomas , Pellacani Simona , Masi Gabriele , Brovedani Paola , Zuffardi Orsetta , Guerrini Renzo
Published: June 2008

We identified a duplication of 22q13.1‐q13.2 in a 10‐year‐old girl and demonstrated that this duplication was the recombinant product of a maternal intrachromosomal insertion. Phenotypic characteristics included prominent forehead, small low‐set ears, hypertelorism, epicanthal folds, small palpebral fissures, short philtrum, and syndactyly. MRI of the brain revealed high signal abnormalities in the periventricular white matter, a hypoplastic corpus callosum, under‐rotated hippocampus on the left and atrophic hippocampus on the right. Since age 5, the child's behavior has shown cyclic maniacal episodes with severely disorganized mood and behavior. Psychiatric and cognitive assessment led to a diagnosis of bipolar disorder not otherwise specified, manic episodes, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and moderate mental retardation. Array‐CGH revealed an interstitial duplication of 6.9 Mb at chromosome 22q: dup(22)(q13.1q13.2). FISH using BAC clones confirmed the array‐CGH results and demonstrated that the duplication was inverted. G‐banding analysis in the proposita's mother revealed a banding pattern suggestive of an intrachromosomal insertion, as demonstrated by dual‐color FISH with BACs that were duplicated in the proposita and multicolor‐banding (MCB) based on microdissection derived region‐specific libraries for chromosome 22. Our findings suggest that in both seemingly de novo deletions and duplications, the parent transmitting the imbalance should be investigated for possible balanced rearrangements. This report reinforces previous evidence that chromosome imbalances, and thus gene dosage effects, may be at the basis of some psychiatric disorders. Stringent correlations between submicroscopic imbalances, specific behavioral phenotypes and brain imaging will possibly help in dissecting complex behavioral traits. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
5‐HTTLPR genotype and anxiety‐related personality traits: A meta‐analysis and new data
Authors: Munafò Marcus R. , Freimer Nelson B. , Ng Whitney , Ophoff Roel , Veijola Juha , Miettunen Jouko , Järvelin Marjo‐Riitta , Taanila Anja , Flint Jonathan
Published: June 2008

We investigated the strength of evidence for association of the 5‐HTTLPR polymorphism and the personality trait of Harm Avoidance. We used new primary data from a large sample of adults drawn from the Finnish population. We also applied meta‐analytic techniques to synthesize existing published data. The large number of studies of the 5‐HTTLPR polymorphism allowed us to apply a formal test of publication bias, as well as formally investigate the impact of potential moderating factors such as measurement instrument. Univariate ANOVA of primary data (n = 3,872), with 5‐HTTLPR genotype as a between‐groups factor, indicated no evidence of association with Harm Avoidance (P = 0.99). Meta‐analysis indicated no evidence of significant association of 5‐HTTLPR with Harm Avoidance (d = 0.02, P = 0.37), or EPQ Neuroticism (d = 0.01, P = 0.71), although there was evidence of association with NEO Neuroticism (d = 0.18, P < 0.001). Our analyses indicate that the 5‐HTTLPR variant is not associated with Harm Avoidance. Together with our previous analyses of a large sample of participants with extreme Neuroticism scores (defined by the EPQ), we have data that excludes a meaningful genetic effect of the 5‐HTTLPR on two measures of anxiety‐related personality traits. There remains the possibility that the variant influences the NEO personality questionnaire measure of Neuroticism. However, a large, well‐powered primary study is required to test this hypothesis directly and adequately. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
For practical and legal reasons, an apology when things go awry is a good idea, but beware of the dangers
Authors: Rainey Michael B. , Chan Kit , Begin Judith
Published: June 2008

Michael B. Rainey, of Malibu, Calif., Kit Chan, of Montebello, Calif., and Judith Begin, of Los Angeles, revisit the use of apologies as a conflict resolution tool in the first of two parts.
Emulsion polymerization of styrene with Iso‐octyl‐3‐mercaptopropionate as chain transfer agent
Authors: Minari R. J. , Vega J. R. , González‐Sierra M. , Meira G. R. , Gugliotta L. M.
Published: June 2008

Four batch and unseeded emulsion polymerizations of styrene were investigated, which included isooctyl 3‐mercaptopropionate (iOMP) as chain transfer agent (CTA). This compound was analyzed by 13C NMR and GC/MS, resulting in a mixture of over 10 isomers. Because of different reactivities of the CTA isomers, the produced polystyrenes presented broad and bimodal molecular weight distributions (MWDs). A mathematical model was adjusted to the measurements, and the measured MWDs were adequately predicted when assuming the CTA as a binary mixture of high but different reactivities. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Study of structural, electrical, and dielectric properties of polystyrene/foliated graphite nanocomposite developed via in situ polymerization
Authors: Srivastava N. K. , Mehra R. M.
Published: June 2008

Present article reports the investigations of the electrical and dielectric properties of polystyrene/foliated graphite (PS/FG) nanocomposites. The homogenous embedded structure of FG within the polymer matrix has been confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The electrical conductivity of the composite was found to exhibit insulator–conductor transition at a very low percolation threshold of FG. A nonlinear to linear transition in the current–voltage characteristics of the composites was observed when the composite undergoes insulator–conductor transition. The frequency dependence of dielectric constant, dissipation factor, and ac conductivity has also been analyzed using percolation theory. D‐shore hardness of the nanocomposite was also tested to observe the strength of the composites. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Modeling and sensitivity analysis of dyes adsorption onto natural adsorbent from colored textile wastewater
Authors: Mahmoodi Niyaz Mohammad , Arami Mokhtar
Published: June 2008

In this article, adsorption modeling and sensitivity analysis were presented to describe the adsorption of textile dyes, Solophenyl Red 3BL (SR) and Pergasol Red 2B (PR), from colored wastewater onto the natural adsorbent (soy meal hull). The numerical model was used to solve the mathematical equations governing the adsorption procedure. The experimental results of SR and PR removal were compared with those results predicted by the numerical model. A sensitivity analysis of dye removal from solution phase has been carried out. The model predictions were compared to those results obtained from experimental tests for adsorption of dyes, and a close agreement was achieved. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Optical degradation of polydimethylsiloxane under 150 keV proton exposure
Authors: Xiao Haiying , Li Chundong , Yang Dezhuang , Li Xingji , He Shiyu
Published: June 2008

The optical degradation of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was investigated under exposure of 150 keV protons to reveal the damage behavior of organic silicone in space. The exposure was performed in a ground‐based simulation for space protons. The experimental results show that the optical degradation mainly occurs in the visible region. With increasing proton fluence, the absorption band shifts toward longer wavelengths (red‐shift) and the solar absorptance αs ascends. The analysis of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicates that under the exposure, the degradation of the PDMS occurs to form hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane, the amount of which increases with increasing the proton fluence. This could cause an increase in delocalization degree of the σ electrons, resulting in the red‐shift of absorption bands. Also, the energy for valence electrons to be excited decreases and the n→π* jump is intensified, increasing the probability of optical absorption. As a result, the solar absorptance αs of the PDMS increases under exposure of 150 keV protons. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Studies on two‐dimensional coordination polymer cadmium phosphate and its high efficient adsorption of Pb(II) ions from aqueous solutions
Authors: Yin Ping , Qu Rongjun , Zhao Guifang , Xu Qiang , Tian Yuan , Bao Chongrong
Published: June 2008

The two‐dimensional coordination polymer cadmium phosphate with the morphology of rectangle layers was prepared by solid‐state template reaction at room temperature, and was characterized by XRD, FTIR, and TEM techniques. The as‐synthesized sample is a layered cadmium phosphate material, in which the structure is poly (CdPO4−) anion framework with ammonium ions and water species residing in the space between the layers, and cadmium ions are coordinated by the phosphate oxygen atoms. This article also presents the adsorption of Pb(II) ions from aqueous solution on the as‐synthesized coordination polymer cadmium phosphate, and the results showed that this inorganic polymer adsorbent had good adsorption capacity. It could reach to the saturation adsorption capacity within an hour, and its excellent adsorption capacity for Pb(II) was 5.50 mmol/g when the initial solution concentration was 1.68 × 103 μg/mL at T = 278K. Moreover, the adsorption kinetics and adsorption isotherms were studied, it revealed that the adsorption kinetics can be modeled by pseudo second‐order rate equation wonderfully. The apparent activation energy (Ea), ΔG, ΔH, and ΔS were 3.16 kJ mol−1, −13.97 kJ mol−1, −11.84 kJ mol−1, and 7.66 J mol−1 K−1, respectively. And it was found that Langmuir equation could well interpret the adsorption of the as‐synthesized coordination polymer cadmium phosphate for Pb(II) ions. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Mechanical properties of nanocomposites from sorbitol plasticized starch and tunicin whiskers
Authors: Mathew Aji P. , Thielemans W. , Dufresne Alain
Published: June 2008

Nanocomposite materials were obtained using sorbitol plasticized waxy maize starch as matrix and tunicin whiskers as the reinforcement. The effect of filler load (0–25 wt % whiskers) and the relative humidity levels (0–98%) on the mechanical behavior of the films are discussed for linear and nonlinear deformation. The performance of the films is explained, based on the morphology and structural behavior of the composite materials (Mathew and Dufresne, Biomacromolecules 2002, 3, 609). The nanocomposites exhibit good mechanical strength due to the strong interaction between tunicin whiskers, matrix, plasticizer (sorbitol), and water, and due to the ability of the cellulose filler to form a rigid three‐dimensional network. The evolution of Tg as a function of relative humidity level and filler load is studied in detail. A decrease in crystallinity of the amylopectin phase is observed at high filler loads, due to the resistance to chain rearrangement imposed by the whiskers. The mechanical strength increased proportionally with filler loads, showing an effective stress transfer from the matrix to the whiskers. An even distribution of whiskers (as determined by SEM) and plasticizer in the matrix contributes to the mechanical performance. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposites showed a strong dependence on relative humidity conditions. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Communication and sensing trade‐offs in cooperative mobile networks
Authors: Mostofi Yasamin , Murray Richard M.
Published: June 2008

In this paper we consider the impact of communication noise on distributed sensing and estimation in mobile networks. We characterize when a node should rely on getting information from others and when it should rely on self exploration. In doing so, we explore the trade‐offs between sensing and communication by finding the optimum network configuration under communication constraints. We also show how to achieve the optimum configuration in a distributed manner. While our main results are presented in one dimension (1D), we provide insight into the two dimension (2D) setup and extend a number of key results to 2D. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Paternal environmental exposures and gene expression during spermatogenesis: Research review to research framework
Authors: Hansen Deborah A.
Published: June 2008

The primary objective is to review Dioxin toxicity, the potential impact on spermatogenesis, what is known and unknown about paternal exposures, and the potential mechanisms whereby paternal preconception exposures result in neural tube defects (NTD). The secondary goal is to suggest a versatile research framework utilizing gene expression microarray to evaluate the impact of acute, intermittent, and chronic paternal exposures to environmental agents on gene expression during the stages of spermatogenesis. There are multiple barriers to establishing a paradigm whereby paternal environmental exposures result in adverse birth outcomes. Microarray expression studies are unique in their ability to detect transcription dysregulation, thereby facilitating the identification of molecular and developmental pathways through hierarchical and pathway analysis. To date there are no studies of gene expression during spermatogenesis following exposure to environmental agents. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 84:155–163, 2008. Published 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Insights into the establishment of left–right asymmetries in vertebrates
Authors: Raya Ángel , Izpisúa Belmonte Juan Carlos
Published: June 2008

The body‐plan of vertebrates, while exteriorly essentially symmetric along its medio‐lateral plane, displays numerous left‐right differences in the disposition and placement of internal organs. Such left–right asymmetries, established during embryogenesis, are controlled by complex epigenetic and genetic cascades that impart laterality information to the different embryo structures and organ primordia. A key and evolutionarily conserved feature of these information cascades among vertebrate embryos is the left‐sided transfer of information from the node to the lateral plate mesoderm during early somitogenesis stages. We review here recent evidence concerning the mechanisms that regulate the laterality of such transfer. Furthermore, we propose a model of left–right axis specification that underscores the role of the node as an integrator of laterality information and the evolutionary conservation of the mechanisms that convey such information to and from the node. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 84:81–94, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hot‐spot residues at the E9/Im9 interface help binding via different mechanisms
Authors: Wong Sergio E. , Baron Riccardo , McCammon J. Andrew
Published: June 2008

Protein–protein association involves many interface interactions, but they do not contribute equally. Ala scanning experiments reveal that only a few mutations significantly lower binding affinity. These key residues, which appear to drive protein–protein association, are called hot‐spot residues. Molecular dynamics simulations of the Colicin E9/Im9 complex show Im9 Glu41 and Im9 Ser50, both hot‐spots, bind via different mechanisms. The results suggest that Im9 Ser50 restricts Glu41 in a conformation auspicious for salt‐bridge formation across the interface. This type of model may be helpful in engineering hot‐spot clusters at protein–protein interfaces and, consequently, the design of specificity. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 89: 916–920, 2008.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Späte Eltern. Welchen Risiken sind die Kinder ausgesetzt?
Authors: Rensing Ludger , Mohsenzadeh Saadat
Published: June 2008

Die Fertilität von “späten Eltern” nimmt ab – auch der Erfolg einer künstlichen Befruchtung (IVF) – während die Rate der Fehlgeburten steigt. Bei Frauen nimmt vom 35. Lebensjahr an auch das Risiko zu, ein behindertes Kind aufgrund von Chromosomenanomalien, etwa von Trisomie 21 (Down Syndrom) zur Welt zu bringen. Die Zunahme dieser so genannten Aneuploidien liegt vor allem in der langen Ruhephase der Eizellen begründet: Während dieser Ruhephase kann oxidativer Stress Veränderungen in der Bindung der homologen Chromosomen aneinander bzw. an die Kernhülle bewirken und die korrekte Trennung bei der später fortgesetzten Reifeteilung stören. Außer den Aneuploidien können noch weitere Beeinträchtigungen wie Punktmutationen in Oocyten und Spermien auftreten.
2‐D‐Gelelektrophorese zur Trennung komplexer Proteingemische
Authors: Künnemann Eva
Published: June 2008

Die 2‐D‐Gelelektrophorese ist eine Technik, um über zehntausend Proteine, die in einer Probe enthalten sind, aufzutrennen. Man kombiniert dabei zwei Trennverfahren: Zum einen werden durch eine isoelektrische Fokussierung die Proteine nach ihrem isoelektrischen Punkt aufgetrennt, zum anderen werden die Proteine senkrecht dazu nach ihrer Größe durch eine SDS‐Polyacrylamidgelelektrophorese separiert.
β‐adrenergic receptors are differentially expressed in distinct interneuron subtypes in the rat hippocampus
Authors: Cox David J. , Racca Claudia , Lebeau Fiona E.N.
Published: June 2008

Noradrenaline (NA) acting via β‐adrenergic receptors (βARs) plays an important role in the modulation of memory in the hippocampus. βARs have been shown to be expressed in principal cells, but their distribution across different interneuron classes is unknown. We have used specific interneuron markers including calcium binding proteins (parvalbumin, calbindin, and calretinin) and neuropeptides (somatostatin, neuropeptide Y, and cholecystokinin) together with either β1AR or β2AR to determine the distribution of these receptors in all major subfields of the hippocampus. We found that β1AR‐expressing interneurons were more prevalent in the CA3 and CA1 regions of the hippocampus than in the dentate gyrus, where they were relatively sparse. β2AR‐expressing interneurons were more uniformly distributed between all three regions of the hippocampus. A high proportion of neuropeptide Y‐containing interneurons in the dentate gyrus co‐expressed β2AR. β1AR labeling was common in interneurons expressing somatostatin and parvalbumin in the CA3 and CA1 regions, particularly in the stratum oriens of these regions. β2AR labeling was more likely to be found than β1AR labeling in cholecystokinin‐expressing interneurons. In contrast, calretinin‐containing interneurons were virtually devoid of β1AR or β2AR labeling. These regional and interneuron type‐specific differences suggest functionally distinct roles for NA in modulating hippocampal activity via activation of βARs. J. Comp. Neurol. 509:551–565, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Color difference formulas: An unsatisfactory state of affairs
Authors: Kuehni Rolf G.
Published: June 2008

Color difference formulas are of considerable importance in production control of colored materials, as they offer a kind of quantitative numerical method to predict perceived differences. Current formulas are based on various sets of empirical difference perception data established with different kinds of materials, under different evaluation conditions, and with different observer panels. The best current formulas predict the average of these perceptual data only with an accuracy of about 65%, a PF/3 value of about 35 (zero being optimal). This article argues that this is an unsatisfactory state of affairs and proposes the development of new uniformly established perceptual data and a new formula/system that predicts the visual results, statistically verified to represent the world‐average observer, with an accuracy of 95%, a PF/3 value (or appropriate improved measure) of 5 or lower. Such a multiyear effort requires a solid experimental plan and a consortium supported by Government and industry to achieve its goal. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 33, 324–329, 2008.
Color‐person‐environment relationships
Authors: Smith Dianne
Published: June 2008

Although the nature of color and the person environment relationship are both well‐documented, it is posited that both domains need to be integrated to understand the active role that color plays in the relationship between a person and the surrounding environment. The color person environment relationship (COL‐PE) introduced in this article is an important theoretical concept for designers, and as a consequence, for environmental‐color researchers to investigate. The potential of color to be an active agent in the relationship between people and environments is introduced by drawing upon what is known about color and the person environment relationship from other sources. The nature of transition spaces is used to emphasize how color affects the emotional connection and disconnection between people and spaces. As an example of COL‐PE, transition spaces highlight the nature of the person who is also psychologically in‐transition and color as a potentially important aspect of the transitory experience. In addition, the connections between color and the constructs that we hold of the people who visit, work, or live in particular environments will be discussed briefly. Designers often focus on the object or artifact which is being colored (whether a building or a chair) as an end in itself, without considering in any depth how the designed objects or places can influence how people experience their daily activities and each other. COL‐PE is introduced as a means to address this omission and broaden designers' understandings of the potential impact of their work. The discussion of the aspects of environmental design (with particular reference to architecture and interior design), introduces the foundation of the COL‐PE as a particular way of addressing color in the built environment. The principles of COL‐PE are relevant for a range of disciplines involved in environmental design including urban design, landscape architecture, interior design, industrial design, and architecture. The COL‐PE aims to make explicit what is often an unrecognized or tacit understanding of the role of environmental color, and thereby, the article highlights the need for research to understand the relationship more fully. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 33, 312–319, 2008.
Age‐related complexity and coupling of children's sitting posture
Authors: Hong S. Lee , James Eric G. , Newell Karl M.
Published: June 2008

This study tested the hypothesis that postural complexity increases as the coupling across the axes of motion decreases as children get older. Children aged 6 and 10 years and young adults (18–23 years) were seated on a wooden box placed atop a force platform that recorded their mediolateral and anteroposterior center of pressure (COP) motion with their feet supported and unsupported. The COP path length and complexity decreased with age, and this was paralleled by an increase in relative phase entropy across the axes of sway motion. The postural sway of the younger children was dominated by slower fluctuations that were more tightly coupled across the axes of motion than the adults. The findings support the postulation that the development of children's sitting posture is characterized by increased freedom in postural coordination that realizes a more loosely coupled but adaptive postural motion with a reduced amount of sway. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 50: 502–510, 2008.
Electron transport properties in the Lucas–Saelee model
Authors: Takeda Akihide , Ikuta Nobuaki
Published: June 2008

Electron transport properties for the Lucas–Saelee model in PT and SST conditions are investigated with attention to the effects of ionization. Energy dispersion probabilities through ionization and excitation are compared. A new definition of transverse diffusion coefficient DT′ in steady state with ionization generation of electrons in configuration space is proposed in a form similar to the drift velocity Wr′. Some discussion on the characters of Wr and Wr′ proposed by Tagashira and Ikuta are also given. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 164(4): 8–14, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience. wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20495
Principle and basic characteristics of linear synchronous motor with half‐wave rectified self excitation
Authors: Hirayama Tadashi , Oyama Jun , Higuchi Tsuyoshi , Abe Takashi
Published: June 2008

This paper presents the principle and basic characteristics of a novel linear synchronous motor based on “half‐wave rectified self excitation principle.” The field winding is short circuited through a diode and the armature winding consists of conventional three‐phase windings. If the amplitude of the balance three‐phase currents is modulated by an alternating wave with bias frequency, the produced magnetomotive force pulsates at the bias frequency and moves at the synchronous velocity. This pulsating magnetomotive force induces the electromotive force with a bias frequency in the field winding. The field excitation is obtained by rectifying the electromotive force with the diode in the field winding. In this paper, the authors design and build an experimental machine and confirm its basic characteristics. They also deduce the performance equations and investigate the thrust ripple reduction. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 165(1): 82–90, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www. interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20684
Maximum output power control system of variable‐speed small wind generators
Authors: Amano Yoko , Kajiwara Hiroyuki
Published: June 2008

This paper proposes a maximum output power control system for variable‐speed small wind generators. The proposed control system adjusts the rotational speed of a single‐phase AC generator to the optimum rotational speed, which yields the maximum output power according to the natural wind speed. Since this adjustment is performed on‐line in order to adapt to variations in wind speed, the rotational speed of the single‐phase AC generator is adjusted by controlling the generated current flowing in an FET (field‐effect transistor) device, serving as the generated power brake, which is linked directly to the single‐phase AC generator. In order to reduce heat loss from the FET device, a PWM (pulse width modulation) controller is introduced. An experimental model of the proposed control system was built and tested, and the validity and practicality of the proposed control system were confirmed by the experimental results. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 165(1): 9–17, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20692
Withholding iron as a cellular defence mechanism – friend or foe?
Authors: Collins Helen L.
Published: June 2008

During infection one critical host defence strategy is an attempt to withhold iron from invading pathogens. This is achieved by by proinflammatory cytokines such as IL‐6 inducing hepcidin. The net result of this is the removal of iron from the circulation and its sequestration within cells, including cells of the immune system such as macrophages. As macrophages are central cells for controlling infections with intracellular bacteria such as Salmonella and Mycobacteria, modulation of iron by hepcidin can lead to the provision of an ideal cellular iron source for these pathogens. Here we discuss how activation of macrophages with IFN‐γ not only up‐regulates antimicrobial effector mechanisms but also modulates iron regulatory proteins such as ferroportin to reduce intracellular iron availability.

See accompanying article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/eji.200738056
IL‐21 and autoimmune disease – hypothesis and reality?
Authors: Holmdahl Rikard
Published: June 2008

Previous data have indicated that IL‐21 and/or IL‐21R are crucial for the differentiation of naïve T cells into Th17 cells and also play a key role in the development of autoimmune disease. Given this, IL‐21 and/or IL‐21R are potential targets for therapy of such diseases; however, a study in this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, provides a new twist in the story as it is now shown that IL‐21 and/or IL‐21R play no role in Th17 development or autoimmune inflammatory disease. The reasons for these contradictory data are discussed in this Commentary.

See accompanying article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/eji.200838511
Neutral and Monocationic Half‐Sandwich Methyl Rare‐Earth Metal Complexes: Synthesis, Structure, and 1,3‐Butadiene Polymerization Catalysis (Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 18/2008)
Authors: Robert Dominique , Spaniol Thomas P. , Okuda Jun
Published: June 2008

The cover picture shows the reactivity of half‐sandwich bis(aluminate) complexes of the rare‐earth metals that can be converted either into cationic methyl species by protonolysis or into dimeric dimethyl species by donor‐induced cleavage of the aluminate moieties. Details are discussed in the article by J. Okuda et al. on p. 2801 ff.
Polymers from renewable resources: Bulk ATRP of fatty alcohol‐derived methacrylates
Authors: Çayli Gökhan , Meier Michael A. R.
Published: June 2008

Copper‐mediated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of lauryl methacrylate (LMA) and other long‐chain methacrylates was investigated in bulk at 35 °C by using CuCl/N,N,N′,N′,N′′‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA)/tricaprylylmethylammonium chloride (Aliquat®336) as the catalyst system and ethyl 2‐bromoisobutyrate (EBIB) as the initiator. The investigated monomers can be derived from fatty alcohols and are therefore an important renewable resource for a sustainable development of our future. The amounts of ligand, Aliquat®336 and CuCl were optimized and the effect of their concentrations on the control of the polymerization and the observed conversions were investigated. It was found that a molar ratio of EBIB/CuCl/Ligand/Aliquat®336 of 1 : 1 : 3 : 1 provided the highest conversions of LMA and the best controlled polymerizations. These optimized conditions allowed for the synthesis of poly(lauryl methcarylate)s with different targeted DP (25, 50, 75, 100, 120, 240, and 500), including high‐molecular‐weight polymers with narrow molecular weight distributions. In addition, methacrylate monomers were prepared from fatty alcohols (capric, myristic, palmitic, stearic) and polymerized using the developed procedure to obtain polymers with the same DP and different chain lengths (C10, C12, C14, C16, and C18) of pending alkyl groups. Finally, the thermal properties of these polymers were examined by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis.
Exploring Nitrone Chemistry: Towards the Enantiodivergent Synthesis of 6‐Substituted 4‐Hydroxypipecolic Acid Derivatives
Authors: Merino Pedro , Mannucci Vanni , Tejero Tomás
Published: June 2008

A methodology for the stereoselective preparation of all‐cis 6‐substituted 4‐hydroxypipecolic acid derivatives using nitrone chemistry, involving both nucleophilic additions and cycloadditions, is presented. The N‐benzyl nitrone derived from 1,2‐di‐O‐isopropylidene‐D‐glyceraldehyde was shown to undergo stereocontrolled allylation reactions to provide enantiomerically pure homoallyl hydroxylamines. Further transformation of these substrates into N‐alkenyl nitrones was achieved in high yields and regioselectivities by oxidation with manganese(IV) oxide. The oxidation reaction is thermodynamically controlled and directed by a phenyl group which became the 6‐substituent. A transoximation reaction of the intermediate N‐alkenyl‐C‐phenyl nitrone was needed to add versatility to the methodology by varying the substituent at the 6‐position. The resulting N‐alkenyl nitrones underwent stereoselective intramolecular 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reactions to provide the immediate precursors of the target compounds. The selectivity observed in the intramolecular cycloaddition was dictated by both the steric preference and the electronic nature of the substrate, which promoted a hitherto unknown aza‐Cope rearrangement of the N‐alkenyl nitrone. The chiral induction exerted by the dioxolane moiety as well as its synthetic equivalence with the carboxy group provided the basis for the enantiodivergency achieved in the synthesis of 6‐substituted (2R,4S,6R)‐4‐hydroxypipecolic acids and their enantiomers. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Length‐dependent DNA separations using multiple end‐attached peptide nucleic acid amphiphiles in micellar electrokinetic chromatography
Authors: Savard Jeffrey M. , Grosser Shane T. , Schneider James W.
Published: June 2008

End‐labeled free‐solution electrophoresis (ELFSE) is an alternative approach to gel‐based methods for size‐based electrophoretic separation of DNA. In ELFSE, an electrically neutral “drag‐tag” is appended to DNA to add significant hydrodynamic drag, thereby breaking its constant charge‐to‐friction ratio. Current drag‐tag architecture relies on covalent attachment of polymers to each DNA molecule. We have recently proposed the use of micellar drag‐tags in conjunction with sequence‐specific hybridization of peptide nucleic acid amphiphiles (PNAAs). This work investigates the effect of multiple PNAA attachment on DNA resolution using MEKC. Simultaneous PNAA hybridization allows for the separation of long DNA targets, up to 1012 bases, using micellar drag‐tags. Each PNAA handle independently interacts with the micellar phase, reducing the overall mobility of this complex relative to individual PNAA binding. The sequence‐ and size‐based dependence of this separation technique is maintained with multiple PNAA binding over a range of DNA sizes. Results are accurately described by ELFSE theory, yielding α = 54 for single‐micelle tagging and α = 142 for dual‐micelle tagging. This method is the first example of a non‐covalent drag‐tag used to separate DNA of 1000 bases based on both size and sequence.
Microfluidic differential resistive pulse sensors
Authors: Wu Xudong , Kang Yuejun , Wang Yao‐Nan , Xu Dongyan , Li Deyu , Li Dongqing
Published: June 2008

This study demonstrates an on‐chip resistive pulse‐sensing scheme with a design of symmetric mirror channels, which significantly reduces the noise and achieves better signal‐to‐noise ratio. Polystyrene particles of different sizes have been detected with the developed sensing scheme and a record low volume ratio of the particle to the sensing channel, or 0.0004%, has been detected with particles of 520 nm in diameter in a sensing aperture of 50×16×20 μm3. This volume ratio is about ten times lower than the lowest volume ratio reported in the literature including that specified for commercial Coulter counters.
Proteomic analysis of Helicobacter pylori cellular proteins fractionated by ammonium sulfate precipitation
Authors: Park Jeong‐Won , Lee Seung‐Gyu , Song Jae‐Young , Joo Jung‐Soo , Chung Mi‐Ja , Kim Sam‐Cheol , Youn Hee‐Shang , Kang Hyung‐Lyun , Baik Seung‐Chul , Lee Woo‐Kon , Cho Myung‐Je , Rhee Kwang‐Ho
Published: June 2008

Among 1590 ORFs in the Helicobacter pylori genome, >250 have been identified as authentic genes by proteomic analysis. Low‐abundance proteins need to be enriched to a minimal amount for MALDI‐TOF analysis and salt precipitation has generally been used for protein enrichment. Here, a whole‐cell extract of H. pylori strain 26695 was subjected to protein fractionation with stepwise concentrations of ammonium sulfate and the proteins were displayed by 2‐DE. The protein spots were quantified using PDQUEST software and identified by peptide fingerprinting. The 2‐DE profiles and intensities of individual protein spots differed among the protein fractions. Out of the 98 identified proteins, 61 were found in the stepwise ammonium sulfate fractions but not in the whole‐cell extract. Out of these, 37 proteins, including KdsA, were found exclusively in a single fraction. In contrast, GroEL, UreA, UreB, TrxA, NapA, and FldA were ubiquitously present in all fractions. Iron‐containing proteins such as NapA, SodB, CeuE, and Pfr were found predominantly in the 100% saturated ammonium sulfate precipitate. Additionally, 29 proteins were newly identified in this study. These data will facilitate the preparation of significant H. pylori proteins, as well as provide information about low‐abundance proteins.
Predicting changes in the health‐related quality of life of Chinese depressed older people
Authors: Chan Sally , Chiu Helen , Chien Wai‐tong , Goggins William , Thompson David , Lam Linda , Hong Benny
Published: June 2008

Objective

To identify predictors of change in Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) among community dwelling Chinese older people with depression.

Methods

A community based prospective, longitudinal study was conducted in a regional psychiatric outpatient department. A convenience sample of 31 older people who were newly diagnosed with depression was recruited. Assessments were conducted at the first session of psychiatric consultation and again after 12 months. Measures included subjective perception of HRQoL, level of depression, number of medical conditions, activities of daily living, functional abilities, and social support.

Results

The majority of participants had significant improvement in their HRQoL, level of depression, and general health conditions at 12‐month follow‐up. The ability of instrumental activity of daily living skills was a predictor of baseline HRQoL and changes in 12‐month follow‐up. Level of depression was also a predictor of changes in HRQoL over the 12‐months period.

Conclusions

Treatment and interventions of depression were effective in improvement participants' mental condition and their perceived HRQoL. Interventions to promote older people's level of depression and their instrumental activity of daily living abilities could help to improve their perceived HRQoL. This study provides insight for healthcare professionals in planning innovative services to meet their health needs. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Family history of prostate cancer and prostate cancer risk in the Alpha‐Tocopherol, Beta‐Carotene Cancer Prevention (ATBC) Study
Authors: Ahn Jiyoung , Moslehi Roxana , Weinstein Stephanie J. , Snyder Kirk , Virtamo Jarmo , Albanes Demetrius
Published: June 2008

Prostate cancer family history has been associated with increased risk of the malignancy. Most prior studies have been retrospective and subject to recall bias, however, and data evaluating interactions with other important risk factors are limited. We examined the relationship between a family history of prostate cancer and prostate cancer risk in relation to body size, micronutrients and other exposures in the Alpha‐Tocopherol, Beta‐Carotene Cancer Prevention (ATBC) Study cohort of Finnish male smokers. Family history of cancer information was self‐reported once during the study in 1991, and anthropometry was measured by trained personnel. Among 19,652 men with complete data, 1,111 incident cases were identified during up to 12.3 years of follow‐up. A first‐degree family history of prostate cancer was associated with an overall relative risk (RR) of 1.91 (95% CI = 1.49–2.47) and a RR of 4.16 (95% CI = 2.67–6.49) for advanced disease (stage ≥ 3), adjusted for age and trial intervention. Our data also suggest that to some degree, height, body mass index, and serum α‐tocopherol and β‐carotene modify the family history and prostate cancer association, although the interactions were not statistically significant. Supplementation with vitamin E or β‐carotene did not modify the family history‐prostate cancer association. This study provides additional evidence that family history is a significant risk factor for prostate cancer. Published 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.