bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The basicity of pyridine and its tendency towards cationic homoconjugation in non‐aqueous media
Authors: Chmurzyński Lech
Published: May 2009

Acid dissociation constant, pKa, of protonated pyridine, determined in the polar protophobic aprotic solvent, acetone, has been compared with pKa values of the pyridinium ion in a variety of other polar solvents including aprotic protophobic ones, acetonitrile, benzonitrile, nitrobenzene, nitromethane, and propylene carbonate, in the protophilic aprotic dimethyl sulfoxide and N,N‐dimethylformamide, as well as in the amphiprotic methanol. On the basis of the set of these pKa values, the effect of the medium on the basicity of pyridine is discussed. Further, based on the cationic homoconjugation constants of pyridine conjugated with the pyridinium cation in the non‐aqueous solvents, the tendency of pyridine towards homoconjugation reactions has also been discussed. Finally, both the basicity of pyridine and its tendency towards cationic homoconjugation has been compared with analogous properties of pyridine N‐oxide.
1,3‐Dipolar cycloaddition of nitrile oxides to methyl 3‐(p‐nitrobenzoyloxy)acrylate: Methyl 3‐(p‐nitrobenzoyloxy)acrylate as a methyl propiolate equivalent with reverse regioselectivity
Authors: Zong Kyukwan , Shin Seung Il , Jeon Dong Ju , Lee Jung No , Ryu Eung K.
Published: May 2009

3‐Aryl‐4‐methoxycarbonylisoxazoles were prepared from the reaction of a variety of substituted benzonitrile oxides with methyl 3‐(p‐nitrobenzoyloxy)acrylate in moderate to good yields.
Synthesis of some polycyclic 1,2,4‐triazines disposing of acidic N‐H group
Authors: Hlaváč Jan , Slouka Jan , Hradil Pavel , Lemr Karel
Published: May 2009

7‐(6‐Azauracil‐5‐yl)‐isatin 1 was converted through its thiosemicarbazone 2 to 6‐(6‐azauracil‐5‐yl)‐2,3‐dihydro‐5H‐1,2,4‐triazino[5,6‐b]indol‐3‐thione 3 and through the thiosemicarbazone of appropriate isatinic acid to 2‐(2‐thio‐6‐azauracil‐5‐yl)‐6‐(6‐azauracil‐5‐yl)‐aniline 4. The course of the cyclocondensation of this compound was studied and the reaction was found to proceed in both possible ways, resulting in a mixture of compound 3 and regioisomer 6‐(2‐thio‐6‐azauracil‐5‐yl)‐2,3‐dihydro‐5H‐1,2,4‐triazino[5,6‐b]‐indol‐3‐one 5. Substituted aniline 4 was oxidized to 2,6‐bis‐(6‐azauracil‐5‐yl)‐aniline 7, which served for the preparation of hydrazone 8, cyclization of which led to 1‐[2,6‐bis‐(6‐azauracil‐5‐yl)‐phenyl]‐6‐azauracil‐5‐carbonitrile 9. This is the first tricyclic 6‐azauracil with vicinal arrangement of 6‐azauracil rings.
Efficient synthesis of 1‐alkyl(aralkyl)‐3‐methyl(ethyl)imidazolium halides: Precursors for room‐temperature ionic liquids
Authors: Dzyuba Sergei V. , Bartsch Richard A.
Published: May 2009

Facile preparation of 1‐alkyl(aralkyl)‐3‐methyl(ethyl)imidazolium bromides and chlorides is reported. With short reaction times, the desired salts are obtained without purification in high yields from equimolar amounts of reactants.
Influence of bone adaptation on tendon‐to‐bone healing in bone tunnel after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in a rabbit model
Authors: Wen Chun‐Yi , Qin Ling , Lee Kwong‐Man , Wan‐Nar Wong Margaret , Chan Kai‐Ming
Published: May 2009

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with placement of grafted tendon in bone tunnel is a common surgical procedure. Bone tunnel creation may result in stress shielding of postero‐lateral regions of tibial tunnel. The present study was designed to characterize the changes of peri‐graft bone and compare with tendon‐to‐bone (T‐B) healing in spatial and temporal manners after ACL reconstruction in rabbit. Surgical reconstruction using digital extensor tendon in bone tunnel was performed on 48 rabbits. Twelve rabbits were sacrificed at 0, 2, 6, and 12 weeks postoperatively for radiological and histological examinations. Bone mass and microarchitecture at the anterior, posterior, medial, and lateral regions of tunnel wall at distal femur and proximal tibia were evaluated. Using peripheral quantitative computed tomography, a 26, 22, and 42% decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) relative to baseline was present in the medial region of the femoral tunnel and the posterior and lateral regions of the tibial tunnel, respectively, at week 12 postoperatively (p < 0.05). It was accompanied by a decrease in trabecular number and increase in trabecular spacing, the shift of platelike to rodlike trabeculae, and loss of anisotropy under micro‐computed tomography evaluation. This finding was echoed by histology showing increased osteoclastic activities and poor T‐B healing in these regions. In conclusion, the postoperative bone loss and associated poor T‐B healing was region‐dependent, which may result from adaptive changes after tunnel creation. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:1447–1456, 2009
Irbesartan: FTIR and Raman spectra. Density functional study on vibrational and NMR spectra
Authors: Franca Carlos A. , Etcheverry Susana B. , Pis Diez Reinaldo , Williams Patricia A. M.
Published: May 2009

Arterial hypertension is a very common disease, which is treated with different medications such as Irbesartan. This compound is a nonpeptide antagonist of the receptor of the enzyme angiotensin II. The infrared and Raman spectra of this compound were recorded and discussed assisted with density functional theory using the 6‐31G** basis set and animated pictures. Irbesartan exists in two tautomeric forms which can be isolated in the solid state. The vibrational study has been recorded using a mixture of both forms. 13C, 15N and 1H NMR theoretical studies have been performed and compared with previously reported experimental data. Theoretical calculations allowed the determination of the main features of the A and B tautomers of Irbesartan both in the vibrational studies and in the NMR spectroscopy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Shear‐reversibly Crosslinked Alginate Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Park Honghyun , Kang Sun‐Woong , Kim Byung‐Soo , Mooney David J. , Lee Kuen Yong
Published: May 2009

Injectable delivery vehicles in tissue engineering are often required for successful tissue formation in a minimally invasive manner. Shear‐reversibly crosslinked hydrogels, which can recover gel structures from shear‐induced breakdown, can be useful as an injectable, because gels can flow as a liquid when injected but re‐gel once placed in the body. In this study, injectable and shear‐reversible alginate hydrogels were prepared by combination crosslinking using cell‐crosslinking and ionic crosslinking techniques. The addition of a small quantity of calcium ions decreased the number of cells that were required to form cell‐crosslinked hydrogels without changing the shear reversibility of the system. The physical properties and gelation behavior of the gels were dependent on the concentration of both the cells and the calcium ions. We found that gels crosslinked by combination crosslinking methods were effective to engineer cartilage tissues in vivo. Using both ionic and cell‐crosslinking methods to control the gelation behavior may allow the design of novel injectable systems that can be used to deliver cells and other therapeutics for minimally invasive therapy, including tissue engineering.

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Self‐Assembled Polythiophene‐Based Nanostructures: Numerical Studies
Authors: Gus'kova Olga A. , Khalatur Pavel G. , Khokhlov Alexei R.
Published: May 2009

This review highlights recent advances achieved by different groups with various molecular simulation approaches for the prediction and fine‐tuning of the supramolecular organization of thiophene derivatives, oligo‐ and polythiophenes. The focus is on functionalized oligo‐ and polythiophenes, including bio‐inspired thiophene/peptide copolymers (“molecular chimeras”). The subject matter of the article is divided up into subsections covering electronic and structural properties of single molecules, solution and solid‐state self‐assembly, amorphous polythiophene and polymer blends, thiophene‐based nanomechanical devices, self‐organization on substrates and applications. A number of examples are used to provide experimental data with which to compare the theoretical predictions.

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k‐Splittable delay constrained routing problem: A branch‐and‐price approach
Authors: Truffot Jérôme , Duhamel Christophe , Mahey Philippe
Published: May 2009

Routing problems, which include a QoS‐based path control, play a key role in broadband communication networks. We analyze here an algorithmic procedure based on branch‐and‐price algorithm and on the flow deviation method to solve a nonlinear k‐splittable flow problem. The model can support end‐to‐end delay bounds on each path and we compare the behavior of the algorithm with and without these constraints. The trade‐off between QoS guarantees and CPU time is clearly established and we show that minimizing the average delay on all arcs will yield solutions close to the optimal one at a significant computational saving. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2010
Phenoxy radical detection using31P NMR spin trapping
Authors: Zoia Luca , Argyropoulos Dimitris S.
Published: May 2009

Recent work in our laboratory has allowed the development of quantitative31P NMR spin trapping techniques. These methods have been demonstrated to be effective tools for the detection and absolute quantification of many oxygen‐ and carbon‐centered free radical species. Our methods rest on the fact that a free radical reacts with the nitroxide phosphorus compound, 5‐diisopropoxy‐phosphoryl‐5‐methyl‐1‐pyrroline‐N‐oxide (DIPPMPO), to form stable radical adducts, which are suitably detected and accurately quantified using31P NMR in the presence of phosphorus containing internal standards. This system was applied for the detection of phenoxy radicals, as an alternative to traditional EPR techniques. More specifically, the phenoxy radicals were produced via the oxidation of different phenols by K3Fe(CN)6. The31P NMR signals for the radical adducts of phenoxy radicals (PhO·) were assigned and found to be located at 25.2 ppm. Subsequently, this spin trapping system was applied to the oxidation of various phenols in the presence of peroxidases and 1‐hydroxybenzotriazole (HBT) as a mediator: the 2,4,6‐trichlorophenol and 2,4,6‐tri‐tert‐butylphenol were oxidized and only phenoxy radical adducts were detected, whereas during the oxidation of 2,4‐dimethylphenol and isoeugenol, other adducts were detected and related to radical delocalization. These preliminary efforts demonstrate the efficacy of our methodologies, so that a variety of radical species can now be readily detected and quantified using quantitative31P NMR spin trapping techniques. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling of Capacitively Coupled RF Plasmas in H2
Authors: Longo Savino , Diomede Paola
Published: May 2009

Hydrogen is the main component of many feeding mixtures used for plasma processing. Despite this, the physics and chemistries of the parallel plate, capacitively coupled, radio frequency discharges in pure hydrogen are not yet fully understood. The state of the art of the modeling of this system is analyzed, including the problems posed by the electron and ion reactions, the ion heating, the chemistry of excited molecules, the non‐equilibrium distributions, the surface catalytic reactions, the double frequency discharge effects. Specific points are illustrated using new results obtained by a self‐consistent kinetic model developed in the last 10 years. A concluding discussion summarizes the achievements and open problems of the field.

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Molecular Dynamics for State‐to‐State Kinetics of Non‐Equilibrium Molecular Plasmas: State of Art and Perspectives
Authors: Capitelli Mario , Celiberto Roberto , Esposito Fabrizio , Laricchiuta Annarita
Published: May 2009

The theoretical prediction of molecular plasma features in non‐equilibrium conditions relys on the knowledge of the microscopic collisional dynamics. The state‐to‐state kinetic approach in fact requires complete sets of cross‐sections for the main reaction channels, including their dependence on the internal degrees of freedom. In this paper, the main three classes (electron–molecule, atom–molecule, and gas–surface interaction) of elementary processes have been considered, reviewing old and recent results for hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen molecular plasmas. Within each class selected processes have been discussed, summarizing the evidences of theoretical investigation and validating different methods by comparison with available experiments. Future achievements are outlined moving to polyatomic systems, of great interest in many technological plasma‐chemical systems.

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Development of Novel Target Materials for Cu(In,Ga)Se‐Based Solar Cells
Authors: Britting Stefan , Borkowski Astrid , Dütsch Claudia , Simon Ralph , van Osten Karl‐Uwe
Published: May 2009

At present, the market share of thin film photovoltaic (PV) within total PV production is approximately 10%, but it is expected to grow up to 20% by 2010 and beyond 30% in the long term. The availability of large area deposition equipment and process technologies, as well as the experience available from the architectural glass industry and the flat panel display industry, offer significant opportunities for high‐volume and low‐cost manufacturing of corresponding coating materials. A major challenge is to use materials which are easy to handle in large scale manufacturing and which offer cost advantages during PVD processing. GfE is developing CIGS target materials by different production procedures to meet future needs. This paper provides an overview concerning the status of development.
Nanoparticle Dispersion Strengthened WC–C Based Coatings on Ti‐alloy Produced by Sequential Chemical Reaction Assisted Pulsed Electrospark Deposition
Authors: Levashov Evgeny A. , Zamulaeva Evgenia I. , Pogozhev Yury S. , Kurbatkina Viktoria V.
Published: May 2009

In this work, we explored the effects of the electrode material constituents and structure on the composition, tribological properties, and roughness of electrospark deposited coatings. Nanostructured (WC grain size below 0.1 µm) and microstructured (WC grain size 1–2 µm) electrodes based on 92% WC–8% Co composition were used to produce coatings on titanium alloy substrates. Fine‐pored graphite (FPG) and carbon–carbon fiber composite (CCFC) electrodes were additionally used for surface smoothing as a finishing operation. The use of the nanostructured electrodes resulted in the formation of fine‐grained, hard, and wear‐resistant coatings. Surface finishing treatment with graphite‐containing electrodes was found to decrease friction coefficients and improve the wear resistance of coatings deposited with both nano‐ and microstructured electrodes. This finishing operation provided lower surface roughness, change in the phase composition of the coatings, and formation of surface graphite for solid lubrication.
Production of High‐Density Capacitively Coupled Plasma with RF Multi‐Hollow Cathode and/or High Secondary Electron Emission for DLC Film Preparation
Authors: Ohtsu Yasunori , Nakamura Chisa , Misawa Tatsuya , Fujita Hiroharu , Akiyama Morito , Yukimura Ken
Published: May 2009

The effects of a hollow cathode discharge and secondary electron emission from a radio‐frequency‐biased electrode on the growing rate of diamond‐like carbon films were studied. The rate of deposition for amorphous hydrogenous carbon thin films of about 200 nm·min−1 was attained at a voltage of −700 V with radio‐frequency plasma using CH4 gas. Because of its non‐uniformity, the profile was improved by changing the hole arrangement. A radial roughness of the deposited films of about 35 nm, for a film thickness of about 1 µm, was obtained with the best arrangement.
Iridium Coatings with Titanium Sub‐Layer Deposited by RF Magnetron Sputtering: Mechanical Properties and Contact Behavior with RoHS‐Compliant Glass Melt
Authors: Hagen Jan , Burmeister Frank , Fromm Alexander , Manns Peter , Kleer Günter
Published: May 2009

In this contribution, we report on the mechanical properties of iridium coatings with titanium sub‐layer deposited by RF magnetron sputtering. Measurements of the coating adhesion were performed with scanning scratch test. The microhardness and effective Young's modulus were determined by nanoindentation test. In order to evaluate the suitability of the coating for glass molding applications, the contact behavior with a hot melt of a RoHS‐compliant glass type was investigated. It was observed that iridium coatings with titanium sub‐layer deposited on tungsten carbide substrates exhibited excellent thermomechanical durability. Furthermore, the coating was chemically resistant against the hot glass melt since no degradation of the coating's surface was observed after 5000 cyclic contacts with hot P‐LaSF47 glass melt.
Rapidly Solidified Thick Deposit of Fe‐C‐V‐Cr‐Ni Alloy by Plasma Spraying
Authors: Hoshiyama Yasuhiro , Hirano Kentaro , Miyake Hidekazu
Published: May 2009

Fe‐C‐V‐Cr‐Ni alloy powder is low‐pressure plasma sprayed to produce rapidly solidified alloy deposits based on a stainless cast iron with finely dispersed vanadium carbide particles. The as‐sprayed deposit is made up of γFe, αFe, V8C7, and Cr7C3. The fine precipitates of about 0.4 µm in the as‐sprayed deposit are carbide. With increasing heat treatment temperature up to 1 273 K, the carbide particles coarsen. The as‐sprayed deposit has finer vanadium carbide than that of the Fe‐C‐V‐Cr‐Ni cast. With increasing heat treatment temperature above 1 073 K, the coarsening of the vanadium and chromium carbide precipitates and elimination of saturation of matrix with vanadium, chromium, and carbon in the deposit result in the decrease in hardness of the Fe‐C‐V‐Cr‐Ni deposit.
Different Underlying Corrosion Mechanism for Mg Bulk Alloys and Mg Thin Films
Authors: Blawert Carsten , Heitmann Volker , Scharnagl Nico , Störmer Michael , Lutz Johanna , Prager‐Duschke Andrea , Manova Darina , Mändl Stephan
Published: May 2009

The influence of microstructure on the corrosion resistance of magnesium alloys was studied by comparing standard cast alloys with thin‐film alloys (solid solution) of the same nominal composition. Latter were deposited on Si by means of magnetron sputtering. Results from potentiodynamic polarisation measurements, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and immersion tests with inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopy of the aqueous NaCl solution prove that beside lower corrosion rates for the thin films, a different corrosion mechanism is active in both systems, due to the dissimilar microstructure. Localised or pitting corrosion is dominating for the bulk alloys and uniform corrosion (on a much lower level) for the coatings.
Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome from past to future: Model for translational and transitional autonomic medicine
Authors: Weese‐Mayer Debra E. , Rand Casey M. , Berry‐Kravis Elizabeth M. , Jennings Larry J. , Loghmanee Darius A. , Patwari Pallavi P. , Ceccherini Isabella
Published: May 2009

The modern story of CCHS began in 1970 with the first description by Mellins et al., came most visibly to the public eye with the ATS Statement in 1999, and continues with increasingly fast paced advances in genetics. Affected individuals have diffuse autonomic nervous system dysregulation (ANSD). The paired‐like homeobox gene PHOX2B is the disease‐defining gene for CCHS; a mutation in the PHOX2B gene is requisite to the diagnosis of CCHS. Approximately 90% of individuals with the CCHS phenotype will be heterozygous for a polyalanine repeat expansion mutation (PARM); the normal allele will have 20 alanines and the affected allele will have 24–33 alanines (genotypes 20/24–20/33). The remaining ∼10% of individuals with CCHS will have a non‐PARM (NPARM), in the PHOX2B gene; these will be missense, nonsense, or frameshift. CCHS and PHOX2B are inherited in an autosomal dominant manner with a stable mutation. Approximately 8% of parents of a CCHS proband will be mosaic for the PHOX2B mutation. A growing number of cases of CCHS are identified after the newborn period, with presentation from infancy into adulthood. An improved understanding of the molecular basis of the PHOX2B mutations and of the PHOX2B genotype/CCHS phenotype relationship will allow physicians to anticipate the clinical phenotype for each affected individual. To best convey the remarkable history of CCHS, and to describe the value of recognizing CCHS as a model for translational and transitional autonomic medicine, we present this review article in the format of a chronological story, from 1970 to the present day. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:521–535. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Energetics of oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Navrotsky Alexandra
Published: May 2009

New calorimetric techniques enable the measurement of surface enthalpies and phase transformation enthalpies of oxide nanoparticles. These experimental values can benchmark theoretical calculations. A complex and delicate balance of energies of phase transformation, surfaces, and hydration leads to crossovers in thermodynamic stability of polymorphs at the nanoscale. ZnO and TiO2 are discussed in detail as examples. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
Investigation of lattice defects in LaNi 5 by positron annihilation spectroscopy and first‐principles calculations
Authors: Mizuno Masataka , Araki Hideki , Shirai Yasuharu
Published: May 2009

ositron annihilation spectroscopy and first‐principles calculations have been applied to identify lattice defects introduced in LaNi 5, which is widely used as hydrogen storage materials, during hydrogen absorption–desorption process. Positron lifetime measurement and calculated positron lifetimes revealed that Ni vacancies are formed during hydrogen absorption in LaNi 5. First‐principles calculations have been performed in order to estimate the stability of the Ni vacancy in the hydrogen absorption process. The binding energy at the Ni sites is reduced by absorbed hydrogen atoms in LaNi 5 hydrides. In the case of the Ni 2b site surrounded by four hydrogen atoms, the binding energy is lowered by about 0.7 eV. Another contribution to the stability of the Ni vacancy is a decrease in the energy of additional lattice sites occupied by the atoms removed as vacancies. In the hydrogen absorption process, additional hydrogen sites are occupied by hydrogen atoms supplied in the process, which leads to the decrease in the vacancy formation energy. As a result, the formation energy of Ni vacancy is reduced to almost zero in the hydrogen absorption process of LaNi 5. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
SCCR: a generic approach to simultaneously achieve CCA security and collusion‐resistance in proxy re‐encryption
Authors: Shao Jun , Cao Zhenfu , Liu Peng
Published: May 2009

By allowing a proxy to blindly perform meaningful transformations from one ciphertext to another, proxy re‐encryption (PRE) is an important cryptographic primitive in many applications, such as encrypted email forwarding and distributed file system. Due to its usefulness, various PRE schemes have been proposed; however, only one can simultaneously achieve chosen ciphertext security (CCA security) and collusion‐resistance. When such schemes are deployed, lack of CCA security will cause secret leaking, and lack of collusion‐resistance will cause non‐repudiation damage. In this paper, we propose a novel approach (denoted SCCR) to simultaneously achieve CCA security and collusion‐resistance in PRE, which faces daunting new challenges. We address these challenges by using CCA‐secure (2, 2) threshold cryptosystem to obtain public verifiability, and the method of key management in identity‐based encryption (IBE) to achieve collusion‐resistance. These two novel techniques have not been yet used in any previous PRE schemes. A unique characteristic of SCCR is that it is a generic construction which has more advantages than a concrete PRE scheme does. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adsorption of hydrogen on palladium nanoparticle surfaces
Authors: Han Junliang , Hu Wangyu , Deng Huiqiu
Published: May 2009

The behaviors of hydrogen (H) adsorbed on the palladium (Pd) nanoparticles (NPs) are examined with the modified analytic embedded‐atom method potentials and MORSE potentials. We study the effects of particle size and H coverage, and compare their adsorption properties of nanoparticle's facets with that of flat surfaces. We simulate the Pd truncated octahedron NPs with atoms from 38 to 2406 and the coverage of adsorbed H up to 1.0 monolayer (ML). Site preferences, adsorption geometries, adsorption energies, and bond lengths of HPd are calculated. We have also calculated the potential energy surface (PES). It is clear that the H atom binding to particle facets is quite stronger than that of flat surfaces when the particle size is smaller than 3.2 nm. We have found a significant variation that adsorption energies ascend gradually with increasing the particle size or surface coverage of H, and the adsorption energy varies about 0.6 eV for (111) facet and 0.3 eV for (100) facet as the coverage up to 1.0 ML. Our results are in reasonable agreement with the experimental values and other calculations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of shear in fiber spinning
Authors: Ceci S. , Frost C. , Hagen T. , Kurmashev D.
Published: May 2009

We study the equations of isothermal fiber spinning under the assumption that viscous friction in the fiber is balanced by shear stresses. Our discussion gives a rather complete picture of the existence and nonexistence of stationary solutions. The linearization about steady state of the governing equations is analyzed by semigroup methods and shown to have the spectrally determined growth property. Both linear and nonlinear stability of stationary solutions is investigated numerically.
Obesity and Diabetes: The Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Type‐2 Diabetes
Authors: Dixon John B.
Published: May 2009

Weight gain and obesity are driving the global epidemic of type‐2 diabetes through metabolic and inflammatory pathways that cause insulin resistance and impair pancreatic β‐cell function, the two important factors that are directly responsible for the development of this disease in susceptible populations. Lifestyle methods and modest weight loss are powerful at preventing and managing type‐2 diabetes, but sustaining substantial weight loss is problematic. Bariatric surgery provides exceptional sustained weight loss and remission of type‐2 diabetes in 50–85% of subjects, especially if treated early before irreparable β‐cell damage has occurred. In addition, there is substantial evidence that bariatric surgery provides additional comorbidity and quality‐of‐life improvements and reduces mortality in patients with type‐2 diabetes. There is an association between the extent of weight loss and remission of type‐2 diabetes. Diversionary bariatric procedures such as gastric bypass and biliopancreatic diversion induce a rapid non‐weight‐loss‐associated improvement in glycemic control. Several mechanisms have been proposed for this exciting and novel effect that may provide key insights into the pathogenesis of type‐2 diabetes. A range of novel surgical, endoluminal procedures/devices, and pharmacologic therapies are likely to evolve when we better understand how bariatric surgery enables long‐term changes in energy balance and non‐weight‐related metabolic improvements. Bariatric surgery should be considered for adults with BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 and type‐2 diabetes, especially if the diabetes is difficult to control with lifestyle and pharmacologic therapy. Although all bariatric procedures produce exceptional results in the management of type‐2 diabetes, choice of procedure requires a careful risk–benefit analysis for the individual patient.
Accelerated Hydrolysis of Aspirin Using Alternating Magnetic Fields
Authors: Reinscheid Uwe M
Published: May 2009

The major problem of current drug-based therapy is selectivity. As in other areas of science, a combined approach might improve the situation decisively. The idea is to use the pro-drug principle together with an alternating magnetic field as physical stimulus, which can be applied in a spatially and temporarily controlled manner. As a proof of principle, the neutral hydrolysis of aspirin in physiological phosphate buffer of pH 7.5 at 40 °C was chosen. The sensor and actuator system is a commercially available gold nanoparticle (NP) suspension which is approved for animal usage, stable in high concentrations and reproducibly available. Applying the alternating magnetic field of a conventional NMR magnet system accelerated the hydrolysis of aspirin in solution.
Cloning and Characterization of the ∆6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Elongase from the Green Microalga Parietochloris incisa
Authors: Iskandarov Umidjon , Khozin‐Goldberg Inna , Ofir Rivka , Cohen Zvi
Published: May 2009

The very‐long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (VLC‐PUFA), arachidonic acid (ARA, 20:4ω‐6) is a component of neuron tissues such as brain and retina cells and a primary substrate for the biosynthesis of biologically active eicosanoids. The green freshwater microalga Parietochloris incisa (Trebouxiophyceae) has been shown to accumulate an extraordinary high content of ARA‐rich triacylglycerols. It was thus interesting to characterize the genes involved in lipid biosynthesis in this alga. We report here the identification of a cDNA encoding for a P. incisa PUFA elongase (PiELO1) and demonstrate that the expression of PiELO1 in yeast Saccharomyces cereviseae confers its elongase activity on C18 ∆6 PUFA. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that PiELO1 is highly similar to functionally characterized ∆6 PUFA elongase genes from other green algae and lower plants. Quantitative real‐time PCR expression studies showed that PiELO1 is upregulated under nitrogen starvation, the condition triggering and enhancing storage oil and ARA accumulation in P. incisa.
The Surgical Mask: Are New Tests Relevant for OR Practice?
Authors: Belkin Nathan L.
Published: May 2009

Since the turn of the 20th century, when researchers were discovering the presence of bacteria in droplets from the nose and mouth and the role these bacteria played in disease transmission, masks have been used as a method to protect both health care providers and patients from respiratory diseases.

In 1926, the first study was published that indicated masks might also play a role in reducing the incidence of surgical site infections. That report spearheaded the development of new mask materials and designs and devices to demonstrate their filtering efficiency.

This article provides a historical review of the work done by researchers over the years and examines whether tests to determine the filtering efficiency of surgical masks, including those recently adopted by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), are relevant to actual OR conditions. AORN J 89 (May 2009) 883–891. © AORN, Inc, 2009.
Spiritual Dimensions of the Perioperative Experience
Authors: Griffin Andrew T. , Yancey Valerie
Published: May 2009

Nurses recognize the importance of spiritual care for facilitating healing and positive outcomes. Nurses caring for patients in highly technical surgical environments have unique opportunities and challenges when attending to patients' spiritual needs.

Patients facing surgery often regard the event and the health implications associated with it as having meaning and significance for their lives. They draw upon spiritual resources to respond to the challenges of their illness and surgery.

This article addresses the effect of life transition and uncertainty on a patient's surgical experience. Suggestions are made for ways perioperative nurses can provide spiritual care to help create healing environments.AORN J89 (May 2009) 875–882. © AORN, Inc, 2009.
Postoperative Voiding Criteria for Ambulatory Surgery Patients
Authors: Ruhl Maureen
Published: May 2009

The number and types of surgeries being performed in ambulatory surgery facilities have increased during the past several years. Many surgeries that were once performed on an inpatient basis routinely occur in outpatient settings today.

Patients are required to meet certain discharge requirements and, occasionally, voiding is included in this criteria. Requiring patients to void postoperatively, however, can unnecessarily delay a patient's discharge and contribute to increased anxiety for the patient.

This article provides a case study with discussion, a literature review regarding postoperative voiding and urinary retention in ambulatory surgery, and recommendations for future research regarding postoperative voiding criteria for low‐risk outpatients. AORN J 89 (May 2009) 871–874. © AORN, Inc, 2009.
Neck–shoulder pain and depressive symptoms: A cohort study with a 7‐year follow‐up
Authors: Mäntyselkä Pekka , Lupsakko Taina , Kautiainen Hannu , Vanhala Mauno
Published: May 2009

Background: The presence of neck–shoulder pain as a predictor of depression is not widely studied.

Aim: To analyse the association of neck–shoulder pain at baseline with depressive symptomatology after a 7‐year follow‐up.

Methods: A total of 604 subjects who had not had depressive symptomatology at baseline participated in 7‐year follow‐up survey. The number of subjects with depressive symptomatology (Beck Depression Score ≥ 10) after 7‐year follow‐up were measured in three groups – subjects without neck–shoulder pain, with infrequent neck–shoulder pain and with daily neck–shoulder pain at baseline.

Results: A total of 77 (13%) participants had developed depressive symptomatology by the follow‐up. Prevalence of depressive symptomatology in follow‐up in subjects without neck–shoulder pain, with infrequent neck–shoulder pain and with daily neck–shoulder pain at baseline pain was 9.5%, 11.2% and 28.4%. In multivariate logistic regression analysis odds for having depressive symptomatology in daily neck–shoulder pain subjects was almost three fold higher (OR, 2.64, 95% CI, 1.27–5.48) compared to those without neck–shoulder pain.

Conclusions: Frequent neck–shoulder pain is a preceding symptom for the depressive symptomatology in adults.
Programm zur Schließung von Impflücken in NRW
Authors: Leidel Jan , Scharkus Sibylle
Published: May 2009

Einleitung

Schutzimpfungen gehören zu den effektivsten und sichersten Präventionsmaßnahmen. Zahlreiche Impfungen führen bei genügend hoher Impfbeteiligung über den Schutz des geimpften Individuums hinaus zu einer protektiven Wirkung auf Bevölkerungsniveau („Herdenimmunität“). Daher existiert ein öffentliches Interesse an einer hohen Beteiligung an den von den obersten Gesundheitsbehörden der Länder gemäß § 20 Abs. 3 Infektionsschutzgesetzes (IfSG) „öffentlich empfohlenen“ Impfungen.
Impfquoten in Deutschland: Überblick über Datenlage und Datenquellen
Authors: Kalies Helen , Siedler Anette , Kries Rüdiger von
Published: May 2009

Einleitung

Impfungen sind eine der effektivsten Public Health-Maßnahmen zur Primärprävention. Die Einführung von Routineimpfungen hat bewirkt, dass heute nur noch wenige ungeimpfte Kinder an Infektionskrankheiten erkranken, die vor dem Krieg in Deutschland sehr häufig waren. Einzelne Krankheitserreger stehen sogar kurz vor der weltweiten Eradikation bzw. konnten zumindest regional eliminiert werden In diesem Artikel werden kurz die Anforderungen an Datenquellen zur Impfstatuserhebung, die in Deutschland verfügbaren Datenquellen sowie der aktuelle Impfstatus bei Kindern und Jugendlichen in Deutschland dargestellt.
Reproductive maturity in the edible Chilean crabCancer edwardsii:methodological and management considerations
Authors: Pardo Luis Miguel , Fuentes Juan Pablo , Olguín Andrés , Orensanz J.M. (Lobo)
Published: May 2009

Size-at-maturity, often used by fisheries managers to specify reference points, was estimated forCancer edwardsii, the most intensely exploited brachyuran crab in Chile, using morphometric data and observation of the gonadal cycle. Sampling was conducted in Chiloé Island, the principal landing region. Several morphometric measurements of secondary sexual characters were recorded for both sexes. Their size-dependence was investigated in search of ontogenetic allometric changes. Six stages of maturity were established for females, and four for males, on the basis of macroscopic and histological observation of the reproductive system, allowing distinction between adults and juveniles. Females and males, on average, attained full development of secondary sexual characters at 106 and 118 mm carapace width (CW) respectively. The CW at which 50% of females and males have gonads of adult appearance was around 101 mm. Current minimum legal size is 120 mm CW, seemingly high enough for conservation purposes. This management control, however, is unlikely to provide effective protection due to the high proportion of crab of sub-legal size in the landings. Traps with escape vents could be introduced in this fishery in order to ensure its sustainability.
Trophic structure of soft-bottom macrobenthos in an inlet in north-western Spain
Authors: Cacabelos Eva , Domínguez Marta , Troncoso Jesús S.
Published: May 2009

The trophic composition of macrobenthic communities in intertidal and subtidal soft-bottoms of the Ensenada de San Simón (north-western Spain) was found to be related to a number of environmental variables. Distribution and abundance of trophic groups have been studied, to provide essential baseline information for monitoring the area, after its designation as a Natura 2000 Special Conservation Zone. Analyses of trophic data showed a numerical predominance of the herbivores in the inner part of the inlet, while sites at the oceanic-influenced area were numerically dominated by surface-deposit feeders. These dominances were mainly due to Hydrobia ulvae in the intertidal area and to polychaetes at the subtidal one. Both univariate and multivariate statistical analyses showed that the sediment composition (organic matter and silt–clay contents) and temperature of the bottom water influenced the benthic macrofauna and were correlated with their trophic composition, abundance and distribution.
On the expressive power of process interruption and compensation
Authors: BRAVETTI MARIO , ZAVATTARO GIANLUIGI
Published: May 2009

The investigation into the foundational aspects of linguistic mechanisms for programming long-running transactions (such as thescopeoperator of WS-BPEL) has recently renewed the interest in process algebraic operators that, due to the occurrence of a failure,interruptthe execution of one process, replacing it with another one called thefailure handler. We investigate the decidability of termination problems for two simple fragments of CCS (one with recursion and one with replication) extended with one of two such operators, theinterruptoperator of CSP and thetry-catchoperator for exception handling. More precisely, we consider the existential termination problem (existence of one terminated computation) and the universal termination problem (all computations terminate). We prove that, as far as the decidability of the considered problems is concerned, under replication there is no difference between interrupt and try-catch (universal termination is decidable while existential termination is not), while under recursion this is not the case (existential termination is undecidable while universal termination is decidable only for interrupt). As a consequence of our undecidability results, we show the existence of an expressiveness gap between a fragment of CCS and its extension with either the interrupt or the try-catch operator.
Einfluss von Länge und Perfektion einer „Hot-Hand”-Sequenz auf Zuspielentscheidungen im Volleyball
Authors: Gula Bartosz , Köppen Jörn
Published: May 2009

Zusammenfassung. In der Forschung zum Hot-Hand-Glauben ist die Frage, inwieweit der Glaube Zuspielentscheidungen beeinflusst, bislang weitgehend ungeklärt. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurde überprüft, ob zwei zentrale Aspekte einer Angriffssequenz, die für den Glauben relevant sind, das Zuspielverhalten tatsächlich beeinflussen: die Länge von Treffersequenzen und deren Perfektion. Versuchsteilnehmern wurden Videosequenzen erfolgreicher und nicht erfolgreicher Volleyballangriffsschläge gezeigt, die nach jedem Angriff Zuspielentscheidungen zu zwei Spielern treffen sollten. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Struktur und Länge der Hot-Hand-Sequenzen differentiell die Zuspielentscheidungen der Versuchsteilnehmer mit unterschiedlichem Expertisegrad beeinflussen.
The Study of Professional Writing
Authors: Alamargot Denis , Lebrave Jean-Louis
Published: May 2009

In this article, we argue that examining the writing processes of literary authors would enrich and extend empirical research on writing, which is currently grounded in cognitive psychology. In most empirical studies of writing skills, experts are defined as either advanced students or technical writers, neither of whom work within the same constraints or timeframes as literary authors. Including literary authors in psychological accounts of writing, by drawing on the observations of genetic criticism (a linguistic-literary discipline that reconstructs the genesis of an author’s manuscript by collecting and interpreting the notes, drafts, revisions, successive versions, etc.), would add to our knowledge of professional writing. Two issues could then be considered: (a) the way the creative process takes place during writing and (b) the role of memory in the management of writing processes over extended time periods.
A fifth‐power relationship for lightning activity from Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission satellite observations
Authors: Yoshida Satoru , Morimoto Takeshi , Ushio Tomoo , Kawasaki ZenIchiro
Published: May 2009

The relationship between lightning activity and some aspects of a convective cloud has been carefully studied in the fields of science and engineering. Coincident data from the precipitation radar (PR) and the lightning imaging sensor (LIS) aboard the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite are used to examine the correlation between the number of lightning flashes per second per convective cloud (NFSC) and the cold‐cloud depth. The cold‐cloud depth is defined as the height from the melting level, which is the altitude at 0 degree, to the storm height. It is found that the NFSC is approximately proportional to the fifth power of the cold‐cloud depth. In addition, it should be noticed that the relationship does not have regional dependencies. Two simple dimensional analyses indicate that the fifth power of the cold‐cloud depth is proportional to the stored static electric energy and to the charging rate in the convective cloud.
Colloid straining within water‐saturated porous media: Effects of colloid size nonuniformity
Authors: Xu Shangping , Saiers James E.
Published: May 2009

Groundwater suspensions consist of colloidal particles of nonuniform size, yet most published studies of colloid straining in porous media have been conducted with monodisperse colloidal suspensions. In this technical note, we report the results of column experiments on the straining of monodisperse suspensions (3.1 or 5.1 μm microspheres) and a bidisperse suspension (containing 3.1 and 5.1 μm microspheres) within water‐saturated quartz sand. The experiments are similar to those described by Xu et al. (2006) in which chemical conditions were prescribed to minimize physicochemical deposition and straining represented the dominant mechanism of colloid immobilization. We find that the straining rates of the monodisperse suspensions can be quantified with published, empirically based expressions that use the ratio of colloid diameter to sand grain diameter as the predictor variable. The straining kinetics of the bidisperse suspension cannot be quantified with these empirical expressions when the mass‐averaged microsphere size is used for the colloid diameter. Analysis of the data from the experiments with the bidisperse suspension suggests that retention of the 5.1 μm microspheres constricted pore spaces with dimensions between 3.1 and 5.1 μm, which enhanced the straining of the 3.1 μm microspheres. A model that accounts for this effect and that uses one fitting parameter in coordination with parameters estimated from column experiments with the monodisperse suspensions describes the observations made in the bidisperse experiment with good success.
Novel strategies for controlling Streptococcus pyogenes infection and associated diseases: from potential peptide vaccines to antibody immunotherapy
Authors: Pandey Manisha , Sekuloski Silvana , Batzloff Michael R
Published: May 2009

Infections caused by group A streptococcus (GAS) represent a public health problem in both developing and developed countries. The current available methods of prevention are either inadequate or ineffective, which is highlighted by the resurgence in invasive GAS infections over the past two decades. The management of GAS and associated diseases requires new and improved approaches. This review discusses various potential approaches in controlling GAS infections, ranging from prophylactic vaccines to antibody immunotherapy.
Strategies for analysing and improving the expression and quality of recombinant proteins made in mammalian cells
Authors: Jenkins Nigel , Meleady Paula , Tyther Raymond , Murphy Lisa
Published: May 2009

The production of monoclonal antibodies and other recombinant proteins is one of the highest growth areas in the pharmaceutical industry. Mammalian cells are used to manufacture the majority of biotherapeutics, largely due to their ability to perform complex post‐translational modifications. Although significant progress has been made recently in improving product yields and protein quality, many challenges still lie ahead to achieve consistently high yields while avoiding potentially damaging protein modifications. The present review first considers the strategies used to analyse and improve recombinant protein expression of industrial cell lines, with an emphasis on proteomic technologies. Next, cellular and environmental influences on protein production and quality are examined, and strategies for improvements in product yield and quality are reviewed. The analytical techniques required to detect these protein changes are also described, together with prospects for assay improvements.
Methanol‐inducible gene expression and heterologous protein production in the methylotrophic yeast Candida boidinii
Authors: Yurimoto Hiroya , Sakai Yasuyoshi
Published: May 2009

Methylotrophic yeasts can obtain all of their required carbon and energy from methanol, a promising feedstock for biotechnological and chemical processes and a potential replacement for coal and petroleum. When these yeast cells are cultured in the presence of methanol, the enzymes involved in methanol metabolism are massively produced, indicating that the gene promoters of these enzymes are strong methanol‐inducible promoters. Using these promoters, high‐level heterologous gene expression systems have been developed in several methylotrophic yeast strains, including Pichia pastoris, Hansenula polymorpha, Pichia methanolica and Candida boidinii. In the present minireview we describe recent insights into the molecular basis of methanol‐inducible gene expression in C. boidinii. In addition, the utility of C. boidinii gene expression systems for the production of various enzymes is also reviewed.