bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shrinkage in extruded moisture crosslinked silane‐grafted polyethylene wire insulation
Authors: Ghosh‐Dastidar Abhijit , Cogen Jeffrey M.
Published: January 2010

Shrinkage studies were conducted on silane‐grafted moisture crosslinkable linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) insulation stripped from extrusion‐coated copper conductors. The insulation, which possesses orientation imparted during melt processing, showed remarkable levels of shrinkage when heated above the melting point of the polymer, though the shrinkage can be greatly reduced by moisture crosslinking the insulation below the melting point of the LLDPE. Shrinkage along the direction of orientation was accompanied by swelling in the other dimensions. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed several trends, including a decrease in both melting point and degree of crystallinity with increasing crosslinking. In the first heat after annealing, crosslinked samples exhibited a shoulder in the DSC endotherm several degrees below the normal melting point of the LLDPE. In agreement with prior studies in silane‐grafted HDPE, relaxation of orientation by annealing appeared to result in an increase in the enthalpy of melting. The degree of shrinkage was also found to be dependent on the insulation thickness, which is attributed to faster cooling in thinner insulation immediately following extrusion coating. The results highlight the extensive built in stresses that can be frozen into polymer layers in fabricated articles due to melt orientation. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Preparation and properties of sulfopropyl chitosan derivatives with various sulfonation degree
Authors: Tsai Huang‐Shian , Wang Yen‐Zen , Lin Jong‐Jing , Lien Wan‐Fu
Published: January 2010

In this investigation, chitosan (CS) is modified by propane sultone via a sulfonation reaction to create various degrees of sulfonation. The sulfonated chitosan (SCS) has a pendant alkyl sulfonic group dangling at the side chain, which can improve its hydrophilicity and water solubility. Elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR) were applied to identify the structure by determining the distribution of the substituents in the product. The degree of sulfonation in the SCS can be controlled and the hydrogen bonding interaction can be reduced by varying the degree of sulfonation. A solubility test proved that solubility increased with degree of substitution at over a wide range of pH values. X‐ray diffraction patterns of SCS samples demonstrated that the crystallinity declined as the degree of sulfonation increased. Thermogravimetric analysis and modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC) results indicated that thermal stability fell but water absorbance increased with the degree of sulfonation. More water‐soluble SCS is thus obtained. The controllable different sulfonation degree of the CS polymer suggests new possibilities for the application of CS‐based materials. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Diffusion coefficients of polychlorinated biphenyls and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in polydimethylsiloxane and low‐density polyethylene polymers
Authors: Rusina Tatsiana P. , Smedes Foppe , Klanova Jana
Published: January 2010

Diffusion coefficients (D) of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined by film‐stacking technique in low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) and two types of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) (also known as silicone rubber, SR) with the trade names AlteSil™ and Silastic®. The estimated values of D for PCBs and PAHs over a wide range of hydrophobicity were 2–2.5 orders of magnitude lower in LDPE than in SR polymers. Log D (m2 s−1) of PCBs ranged from −10.1 to −10.9 for SRs and from −12.4 to −13.7 for LDPE. For PAHs these ranges were −9.8 to −11.4 for SRs and −11.9 to −13.7 for LDPE. Compared with the D values calculated in water, D were 1–2 and 3–4 orders of magnitude lower in SR and LDPE, respectively. For PAH molecules, D was lower than for PCBs with a similar molecular weight, probably because of their more rigid structure. The range of log D for PCBs in SR was only 0.5 log units (factor of 3.2) versus 1.2 log units (factor of 16) in LDPE. Although compound classes showed different relations, a linear relation of D with total surface area was the most universal. This relation may be used for prediction of D values in SR and LDPE polymers for other organic compounds. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
DC electrical conductivity of polyazomethinethiosemicarbazone metal complexes
Authors: El‐Shekeil Ali , Al‐Yusufy Fatma , Abdulla Abdul‐Hafeedh A.
Published: January 2010

Polyazomethinethiosemicarbazone (PATS) metal complexes of Ni(II), Co(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II) metal ions were prepared by reacting the polymer ligand (PATS) with the appropriate metal salt in refluxing DMSO. Elemental analyzes as well as FTIR and electronic spectral data are presented to confirm the formulation of the isolated materials. The spectral data show that the ligand polymer is bonded to the metal ions via the thiol sulfur atom and coordinated through the nitrogen of azomethine group. The DC electrical conductivity measurements of PATS and its metal complexes were measured in the range 300–500 K in the annealed and 5% iodine doped forms. The products gave electrical conductivity in the semiconducting region that increased by heat. The DC electrical conductivity is interpreted using the band gap theory using solitons, polarons and bipolarons. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Filled polymers with high nanoparticles concentration—Synthesis and properties
Authors: Burunkova Julia E. , Denisyuk Igor Yu , Williams Todd R.
Published: January 2010

High refractive index optical compositions based on polymer matrices filled with high concentrations of ZnS nanoparticles were developed. These materials have good optical properties and processability like usual polymers, and they are suitable for factory scale use. At 25 vol % ZnS nanoparticles concentration an increase in refractive index up to 0.25 in 150 um transparent film was obtained. A process was develope for formation of polymeric compositions consisting of polymer filled with high concentrations of inorganic crystalline nanoparticles. Effects connected to high concentration of nanoparticles in the polymer were discussed. Optical properties of these materials were investigated. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Synergistic flame retardant effect of cerium oxide in ethylene‐vinyl acetate/aluminum hydroxide blends
Authors: Jiao Chuan‐Mei , Chen Xi‐Lei
Published: January 2010

The flammability characterization and synergistic flame retardant effect of cerium oxide (CeO2) in the ethylene‐vinyl acetate/aluminum hydroxide blends were studied using limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL‐94 test, and cone calorimeter test (CCT). The results showed that the addition of a given amount of CeO2 apparently increased the LOI value and UL‐94 rating. The data obtained from the CCT indicated that the addition of CeO2 greatly decreased the heat release rate and prolonged the combustion time. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Perfusion seeding of channeled elastomeric scaffolds with myocytes and endothelial cells for cardiac tissue engineering
Authors: Maidhof Robert , Marsano Anna , Lee Eun Jung , Vunjak‐Novakovic Gordana
Published: January 2010

The requirements for engineering clinically sized cardiac constructs include medium perfusion (to maintain cell viability throughout the construct volume) and the protection of cardiac myocytes from hydrodynamic shear. To reconcile these conflicting requirements, we proposed the use of porous elastomeric scaffolds with an array of channels providing conduits for medium perfusion, and sized to provide efficient transport of oxygen to the cells, by a combination of convective flow and molecular diffusion over short distances between the channels. In this study, we investigate the conditions for perfusion seeding of channeled constructs with myocytes and endothelial cells without the gel carrier we previously used to lock the cells within the scaffold pores. We first established the flow parameters for perfusion seeding of porous elastomer scaffolds using the C2C12 myoblast line, and determined that a linear perfusion velocity of 1.0 mm/s resulted in seeding efficiency of 87% ± 26% within 2 hours. When applied to seeding of channeled scaffolds with neonatal rat cardiac myocytes, these conditions also resulted in high efficiency (77.2% ± 23.7%) of cell seeding. Uniform spatial cell distributions were obtained when scaffolds were stacked on top of one another in perfusion cartridges, effectively closing off the channels during perfusion seeding. Perfusion seeding of single scaffolds resulted in preferential cell attachment at the channel surfaces, and was employed for seeding scaffolds with rat aortic endothelial cells. We thus propose that these techniques can be utilized to engineer thick and compact cardiac constructs with parallel channels lined with endothelial cells. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
Modeling with a view to target identification in metabolic engineering: A critical evaluation of the available tools
Authors: Maertens Jo , Vanrolleghem Peter A.
Published: January 2010

The state of the art tools for modeling metabolism, typically used in the domain of metabolic engineering, were reviewed. The tools considered are stoichiometric network analysis (elementary modes and extreme pathways), stoichiometric modeling (metabolic flux analysis, flux balance analysis, and carbon modeling), mechanistic and approximative modeling, cybernetic modeling, and multivariate statistics. In the context of metabolic engineering, one should be aware that the usefulness of these tools to optimize microbial metabolism for overproducing a target compound depends predominantly on the characteristic properties of that compound. Because of their shortcomings not all tools are suitable for every kind of optimization; issues like the dependence of the target compound's synthesis on severe (redox) constraints, the characteristics of its formation pathway, and the achievable/desired flux towards the target compound should play a role when choosing the optimization strategy. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
HER2‐ and EGFR‐Specific Affiprobes: Novel Recombinant Optical Probes for Cell Imaging
Authors: Lyakhov Ilya , Zielinski Rafal , Kuban Monika , Kramer‐Marek Gabriela , Fisher Robert , Chertov Oleg , Bindu Lakshman , Capala Jacek
Published: January 2010

The human epidermal growth factor receptors, EGFR and HER2, are members of the EGFR family of cell‐surface receptors/tyrosine kinases. EGFR‐ and HER2‐positive cancers represent a more aggressive disease with greater likelihood of recurrence, poorer prognosis, and decreased survival rate, compared to EGFR‐ or HER2‐negative cancers. The details of HER2 proto‐oncogenic functions are not deeply understood, partially because of a restricted availability of tools for EGFR and HER2 detection (A. Sorkin and L. K. Goh, Exp. Cell Res. 2009, 315, 683–696). We have created photostable and relatively simple‐to‐produce imaging probes for in vitro staining of EGFR and HER2. These new reagents, called affiprobes, consist of a targeting moiety, a HER2‐ or EGFR‐specific Affibody® molecule, and a fluorescent moiety, mCherry (red) or EGFP (green). Our flow cytometry and confocal microscopy experiments demonstrated high specificity and signal/background ratio of affiprobes. Affiprobes are able to stain both live cells and frozen tumor xenograph sections. This type of optical probe can easily be extended for targeting other cell‐surface antigens/ receptors.
ChemInform Abstract: Microwave‐Assisted Cycloadditions of 2‐Alkynylbenzonitriles with Sodium Azide: Selective Synthesis of Tetrazolo[5,1‐a]pyridines and 4,5‐Disubstituted‐2H‐1,2,3‐triazoles.
Authors: Tsai Chih‐Wei , Yang Shyh‐Chyun , Liu Ya‐Ming , Wu Ming‐Jung
Published: January 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Mild Room‐Temperature Palladium‐Catalyzed C3‐Arylation of 2(1H)‐Pyrazinones via a Desulfitative Kumada‐Type Cross‐Coupling Reaction.
Authors: Mehta Vaibhav P. , Modha Sachin G. , Van der Eycken Erik
Published: January 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Reactions of Radicals Generated from 1‐Ethyl‐1,4‐diazinium Salts: Addition to the C—C Triple Bond versus Dimerization.
Authors: Rusinov Gennadiy L. , Verbitskiy Egor V. , Slepukhin Pavel A. , Zabelina Olga N. , Kodess Mikhail I. , Ezhikova Marina A. , Charushin Valeriy N. , Chupakhin Oleg N.
Published: January 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Study of the Interaction of Salicyl Aldehydes with Epichlorohydrin: A Simple, Convenient, and Efficient Method for the Synthesis of 3,6‐Epoxy[1,5]dioxocines.
Authors: Janeliunas Dainius , Daskeviciene Maryte , Malinauskas Tadas , Getautis Vytautas
Published: January 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Reinvestigation of Alternative Method for the Preparation of Dibenzo[b,f][1,4]oxazepine.
Authors: Fakhraian Hossein , Nafary Yaser
Published: January 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis of Chiral Tertiary Organoboronic Esters Through Conjugate Boration of β‐Substituted Cyclic Enones.
Authors: Chen I‐Hon , Yin Liang , Itano Wataru , Kanai Motomu , Shibasaki Masakatsu
Published: January 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Towards the Total Synthesis of 3‐Hydroxyvibsanin E.
Authors: Schwartz Brett D. , Denton Justin R. , Bernhardt Paul V. , Davies Huw M. L. , Williams Craig M.
Published: January 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Furanosyl C‐1 Glycals Through Palladium‐Catalyzed Reactions of a Furanosyl 2,3‐Anhydro‐exo‐glycal.
Authors: Gomez Ana M. , Pedregosa Ana , Barrio Aitor , Valverde Serafin , Lopez J. Cristobal
Published: January 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: A New Cardenolide Triglycoside from Stems and Twigs of Nerium oleander
Authors: Bai Liming , Hasegawa Ryo , Hirose Katsutoshi , Ando Mariko , Sakai Jun‐ichi , Ando Masayoshi
Published: January 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Scope of AuCl3 in the Activation of Per‐O‐acetylglycals.
Authors: Balamurugan Rengarajan , Koppolu Srinivasa Rao
Published: January 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Leucophyllidine, a Cytotoxic Bisindole Alkaloid Constituted from the Union of an Eburnan and a New Vinylquinoline Alkaloid.
Authors: Gan Chew‐Yan , Robinson Ward T. , Etoh Tadahiro , Hayashi Masahiko , Komiyama Kanki , Kam Toh‐Seok
Published: January 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Ionothermal Synthesis of Hexagonal‐Phase NaYF4:Yb3+, Er3+/Tm3+ Upconversion Nanophosphors.
Authors: Liu Xiaomin , Zhao Junwei , Sun Yajuan , Song Kai , Yu Yi , Du Chuang , Kong Xianggui , Zhang Hong
Published: January 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Water Dynamics in Salt Solutions Studied with Ultrafast Two‐Dimensional Infrared (2D IR) Vibrational Echo Spectroscopy
Authors: Fayer Michael D. , Moilanen David E. , Wong Daryl , Rosenfeld Daniel E. , Fenn Emily E. , Park Sungnam
Published: January 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Chiral Pd Aqua Complex‐Catalyzed Asymmetric C—C Bond‐Forming Reactions: A Broensted Acid—Base Cooperative System
Authors: Sodeoka Mikiko , Hamashima Yoshitaka
Published: January 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: C2‐Symmetric Pyrrolidines Derived from Tartaric Acids: Versatile Chiral Building Blocks for Total Synthesis, Catalyst Design, Supramolecular and Medicinal Chemistry
Authors: Blum Andreas , Diederich Wibke E.
Published: January 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: 3‐Substituted‐3‐hydroxy‐2‐oxindole: An Emerging New Scaffold for Drug Discovery with Potential Anticancer and Other Biological Activities
Authors: Peddibhotla Satyamaheshwar
Published: January 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthetic Methods. Part 2. Oxidation and Reduction Methods
Authors: Lewis Simon E.
Published: January 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Application of Molybdenum(VI) Dichloride Dioxide (MoO2Cl2) in Organic Transformations
Authors: Jeyakumar Kandasamy , Chand Dillip K.
Published: January 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Molecular Playdough: Conformationally Programmable Molecular Receptors Based on Restricted Rotation
Authors: Rasberry Roger D. , Shimizu Ken D.
Published: January 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Ethyl Carbamate in Foods and Beverages
Authors: Weber J. V. , Sharypov V. I.
Published: January 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthetic Retinoids: Structure—Activity Relationships
Authors: Barnard Jonathan H. , Collings Jonathan C. , Whiting Andrew , Przyborski Stefan A. , Marder Todd B.
Published: January 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Interface Engineering: An Effective Approach Toward High‐Performance Organic Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Di Chong‐An , Liu Yungi , Yu Gui , Zhu Daoben
Published: January 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Computational Vibrational Spectroscopy of Peptides and Proteins in One and Two Dimensions
Authors: Jeon Jonggu , Yang Seongeun , Choi Jun‐Ho , Cho Minhaeng
Published: January 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Biological and Biomedical Applications of Two‐Dimensional Vibrational Spectroscopy: Proteomics, Imaging, and Structural Analysis
Authors: Fournier Frederic , Guo Rui , Gardner Elizabeth M. , Donaldson Paul M. , Loeffeld Christian , Gould Ian R. , Willison Keith R. , Klug David R.
Published: January 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
Measuring the complexity of generalized linear hierarchical models
Authors: Lu Haolan , Hodges James S. , Carlin Bradley P.
Published: January 2010

Measuring a statistical model's complexity is important for model criticism and comparison. However, it is unclear how to do this for hierarchical models due to uncertainty about how to count the random effects. The authors develop a complexity measure for generalized linear hierarchical models based on linear model theory. They demonstrate the new measure for binomial and Poisson observables modeled using various hierarchical structures, including a longitudinal model and an areal‐data model having both spatial clustering and pure heterogeneity random effects. They compare their new measure to a Bayesian index of model complexity, the effective numberpDof parameters (Spiegelhalter, Best, Carlin & van der Linde 2002); the comparisons are made in the binomial and Poisson cases via simulation and two real data examples. The two measures are usually close, but differ markedly in some instances wherepDis arguably inappropriate. Finally, the authors show how the new measure can be used to approach the difficult task of specifying prior distributions for variance components, and in the process cast further doubt on the commonly‐used vague inverse gamma prior.
On a mixture vector autoregressive model
Authors: Fong P. W. , Li W. K. , Yau C. W. , Wong C. S.
Published: January 2010

The authors show how to extend univariate mixture autoregressive models to a multivariate time series context. Similar to the univariate case, the multivariate model consists of a mixture of stationary or nonstationary autoregressive components. The authors give the first and second order stationarity conditions for a multivariate case up to order 2. They also derive the second order stationarity condition for the univariate mixture model up to arbitrary order. They describe an EM algorithm for estimation, as well as a diagnostic checking procedure. They study the performance of their method via simulations and include a real application.
Modeling biological data: Several vignettes
Authors: Field Christopher A.
Published: January 2010

The author develops the theme of biology as a rich source of interesting problems where the data available are often noisy and multivariate. He presents various situations in which the data raise model building and inference issues. He emphasizes that appropriate modeling requires careful thought and usually provides methodological challenges. The data sets considered include bird count data, tracking data from leatherback turtles, and amino acid sequence data from primates and cetaceans.
Projection estimators of Pickands dependence functions
Authors: Fils‐Villetard Amélie , Guillou Armelle , Segers Johan
Published: January 2010

The authors consider the construction of intrinsic estimators for the Pickands dependence function of an extreme‐value copula. They show how an arbitrary initial estimator can be modified to satisfy the required shape constraints. Their solution consists in projecting this estimator in the space of Pickands functions, which forms a closed and convex subset of a Hilbert space. As the solution is not explicit, they replace this functional parameter space by a sieve of finite‐dimensional subsets. They establish the asymptotic distribution of the projection estimator and its finite‐dimensional approximations, from which they conclude that the projected estimator is at least as efficient as the initial one.
Testing for two states in a hidden Markov model
Authors: Dannemann Jörn , Holzmann Hajo
Published: January 2010

The authors consider hidden Markov models (HMMs) whose latent process has m ≥ 2 states and whose state‐dependent distributions arise from a general one‐parameter family. They propose a test of the hypothesis m = 2. Their procedure is an extension to HMMs of the modified likelihood ratio statistic proposed by Chen, Chen & Kalbfleisch (2004) for testing two states in a finite mixture. The authors determine the asymptotic distribution of their test under the hypothesis m = 2 and investigate its finite‐sample properties in a simulation study. Their test is based on inference for the marginal mixture distribution of the HMM. In order to illustrate the additional difficulties due to the dependence structure of the HMM, they show how to test general regular hypotheses on the marginal mixture of HMMs via a quasi‐modified likelihood ratio. They also discuss two applications.
Doubly adaptive biased coin designs with delayed responses
Authors: Hu Feifang , Zhang Li‐Xin , Cheung Siu H. , Chan Wai S.
Published: January 2010

In clinical studies, patients are usually accrued sequentially. Response‐adaptive designs are then useful tools for assigning treatments to incoming patients as a function of the treatment responses observed thus far. In this regard, doubly adaptive biased coin designs have advantageous properties under the assumption that their responses can be obtained immediately after testing. However, it is a common occurrence that responses are observed only after a certain period of time. The authors examine the effect of delayed responses on doubly adaptive biased coin designs and derive some of their asymptotic properties. It turns out that these designs are relatively insensitive to delayed responses under widely satisfied conditions. This is illustrated with a simulation study.
Shrinkage confidence intervals for the normal mean: Using a guess for greater efficiency
Authors: Willink Robin
Published: January 2010

If the unknown mean of a univariate population is sufficiently close to the value of an initial guess then an appropriate shrinkage estimator has smaller average squared error than the sample mean. This principle has been known for some time, but it does not appear to have found extension to problems of interval estimation. The author presents valid two‐sided 95% and 99% “shrinkage” confidence intervals for the mean of a normal distribution. These intervals are narrower than the usual interval based on the Student distribution when the population mean lies in such an “effective interval.” A reduction of 20% in the mean width of the interval is possible when the population mean is sufficiently close to the value of the guess. The author also describes a modification to existing shrinkage point estimators of the general univariate mean that enables the effective interval to be enlarged.
Primary central nervous system post‐transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder
Authors: Cavaliere Robert , Petroni Gina , Lopes Maria B. , Schiff David
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND:

Primary central nervous system (CNS) post‐transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder (PCNS‐PTLD) is a rare complication of solid organ transplantation. The objectives of this study were to define the clinical, radiologic, and pathologic features of this disease and to explore the impact of treatment on patient outcomes.

METHODS:

The authors reviewed the databases of participating institutions of the International Primary CNS Lymphoma Collaborative Group for cases of PCNS‐PTLD. Thirty‐four patients who had pathologically confirmed PCNS‐PTLD without evidence of systemic PTLD were investigated retrospectively.

RESULTS:

The median time from transplantation to diagnosis of PCNS‐PTLD was 4.4 years. Disease usually was multifocal and involved any location of the brain but was most common in the cerebral hemispheres, usually in the subcortical white matter or basal ganglia. Radiographically, all lesions enhanced either homogenously or in a ring‐enhancing pattern. Cerebral biopsy was required to establish diagnosis in most patients. Most patients had monomorphic, Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV)‐positive disease of B‐cell origin. Response rates were high regardless of treatment type, and the median survival was 47 months. Age was the only factor predictive of survival.

CONCLUSIONS:

The current study demonstrated that PCNS‐PTLD is typically an EBV‐induced B‐cell lymphoma that is responsive to treatment with favorable survival in many patients. An aggressive approach to tissue confirmation of diagnosis and treatment with chemotherapy or radiotherapy should be strongly considered. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society
A trial of 3 interventions to promote colorectal cancer screening in African Americans
Authors: Blumenthal Daniel S. , Smith Selina A. , Majett Charlye D. , Alema‐Mensah Ernest
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND:

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. CRC incidence and mortality rates are higher among blacks than among whites, and screening rates are lower in blacks than in whites. For the current study, the authors tested 3 interventions that were intended to increase the rate of CRC screening among African Americans.

METHODS:

The following interventions were chosen to address evidence gaps in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Guide to Community Preventive Services: one‐on‐one education, group education, and reducing out‐of‐pocket costs. Three hundred sixty‐nine African‐American men and women aged ≥50 years were enrolled in this randomized, controlled community intervention trial. The main outcome measures were postintervention increase in CRC knowledge and obtaining a screening test within 6 months.

RESULTS:

There was substantial attrition: Two hundred fifty‐seven participants completed the intervention and were available for follow‐up 3 months to 6 months later. Among completers, there were significant increases in knowledge in both educational cohorts but in neither of the other 2 cohorts. By the 6‐month follow‐up, 17.7% (11 of 62 participants) of the Control cohort reported having undergone screening compared with 33.9% (22 of 65 participants) of the Group Education cohort (P = .039). Screening rate increases in the other 2 cohorts were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS:

The current results indicated that group education could increase CRC cancer screening rates among African Americans. The screening rate of <35% in a group of individuals who participated in an educational program through multiple sessions over a period of several weeks indicated that there still are barriers to overcome. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Predictors of timely follow‐up after abnormal cancer screening among women seeking care at urban community health centers
Authors: Battaglia Tracy A. , Santana M. Christina , Bak Sharon , Gokhale Manjusha , Lash Timothy L. , Ash Arlene S. , Kalish Richard , Tringale Stephen , Taylor James O. , Freund Karen M.
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND:

We sought to measure time and identify predictors of timely follow‐up among a cohort of racially/ethnically diverse inner city women with breast and cervical cancer screening abnormalities.

METHODS:

Eligible women had an abnormality detected on a mammogram or Papanicolaou (Pap) test between January 2004 and December 2005 in 1 of 6 community health centers in Boston, Massachusetts. Retrospective chart review allowed us to measure time to diagnostic resolution. We used Cox proportional hazards models to develop predictive models for timely resolution (defined as definitive diagnostic services completed within 180 days from index abnormality).

RESULTS:

Among 523 women with mammography abnormalities and 474 women with Pap test abnormalities, >90% achieved diagnostic resolution within 12 months. Median time to resolution was longer for Pap test than for mammography abnormalities (85 vs 27 days). Site of care, rather than any sociodemographic characteristic of individuals, including race/ethnicity, was the only significant predictor of timely follow‐up for both mammogram and Pap test abnormalities.

CONCLUSIONS:

Site‐specific community‐based interventions may be the most effective interventions to reduce cancer health disparities when addressing the needs of underserved populations. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Formation of Oxaphosphacarbenes by Reaction of [RuTpCl(PPh3)(thp)] with Terminal Alkynes and a Propargylic Alcohol
Authors: Bolaño Sandra , Bravo Jorge , Castro Jesús , Rodríguez‐Rocha Mar
Published: January 2010

The reaction of [TpRuCl(PPh3)2] [Tp = hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borate] with P(CH2OH)3 (thp) afforded [TpRuCl(PPh3)(thp)] (1). Compound 1 heated at reflux in NCMe yielded the cationic compound [TpRu(NCMe)(PPh3)(thp)]Cl (2). The reaction of 1 with terminal alkynes R–C≡CH [R = Ph, p‐C6H4Me, Si(Me)3, EtC(O)O] and with the propargylic alcohol [Ph2(OH)C–C≡CH] in methanol gave the new metallacyclic cationic carbenes [TpRu{κ2‐(C,P)=C(CH2R′)OCH2P(CH2OH)2}(PPh3)]Cl [R′ = Ph (3a), p‐C6H4Me (4a), H (5a), MeC(O)O (6a)] and [TpRu{κ2‐(C,P)=C(CH=CPh2)OCH2P(CH2OH)2}(PPh3)]Cl (7a), respectively. When methanolic solutions of compounds 3a–5a were heated at reflux for several hours, the compounds eliminate formaldehyde to afford the new carbene complexes [RuTp{κ2‐(C,P)=C(R″)OCH2PH(CH2OH)}(PPh3)]Cl [R″ = CH2Ph (3b), CH2C6H4Me (4b), CH3 (5b), respectively]. Compound 7a showed a very high tendency to eliminate formaldehyde. As a result, the carbene [RuTp{κ2‐(C,P)=C(HC=CPh2)OCH2PH(CH2OH)}(PPh3)]Cl (7b) formed is always present during the synthesis of 7a. When heating at reflux in methanol was sufficiently prolonged, pure 7b was obtained. When the reaction of 1 with R–C≡CH [R = Ph, p‐C6H4Me, (Me)3Si] and with Ph2(OH)CC≡CH was performed in refluxing toluene, the neutral oxaphosphacarbene complexes [TpRuCl{κ2‐(C,P)=C(CH2R)OCH2P(CH2OH)2}] [R = Ph (8), p‐C6H4Me (9), (Me)3Si (10)] and [TpRuCl{κ2‐(C,P)=C(CH=CPh2)OCH2P(CH2OH)2}] (11) were obtained. Compound 9 was structurally characterised by X‐ray diffraction analysis.
Salen Ligands Revisited: Synthesis and Application of a Planar Chiral “Ferro‐Salen” Ligand
Authors: Niemeyer Jochen , Kehr Gerald , Fröhlich Roland , Erker Gerhard
Published: January 2010

Condensation of the O‐protected planar chiral hydroxyferrocene carbaldehyde (Sp)‐1 with ethylenediamine, followed by deprotection gave rise to the “ferro‐salen” ligand (Sp,Sp)‐3 in good yield. This scaffold was used for the preparation of a series of metal complexes [(Sp,Sp)‐4/5/6], which were subsequently applied for the Lewis acid catalyzed asymmetric trimethylsilylcyanation of benzaldehyde.
Stereodefined Access to 3‐Deoxy Sugars Through a Tandem Baylis–Hillman and Lewis Acid Catalyzed Reaction Sequence
Authors: Radha Krishna Palakodety , Manjuvani Applashetti , Narsingam Mogili , Raju Galla
Published: January 2010

An innovative synthetic protocol is reported for the ready access to 3‐deoxy sugars in both D and L forms as exclusive products (des >95 %) in high yields through a stereodefined Lewis acid catalyzed reaction sequence of the sugar‐derived Baylis–Hillman adducts.
Protein kinase C epsilon‐dependent extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 5 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation involved in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy with angiotensin II stimulation
Authors: Zhao Zhuo , Wang Wei , Geng Jing , Wang Liqi , Su Guohai , Zhang Yun , Ge Zhiming , Kang Weiqiang
Published: January 2010

Angiotensin II (Ang II) plays a critical role in hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes; however, the molecular mechanism, especially the signaling cascades, in cardiomyocytes remains unclear. In the present study, we examined the mechanism of Ang II in hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes. Ang II rapidly stimulated phosphorylation of protein kinase C epsilon (PKCε) in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner via Ang II receptor‐1 (AT1). Furthermore, Ang II‐induced extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) phosphorylation and translocation was mediated through a signal pathway that involves AT1 and PKCε, which resulted in transcriptional activation of myocyte enhancer factor‐2C (MEF2C) and hypertrophy. Consequently, inhibiting PKCε or ERK5 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) significantly attenuated Ang II‐induced MEF2C activation and hypertrophy of rat cardiomyocytes. These data provide evidence that PKCε‐dependent ERK5 phosphorylation and nucleocytoplasmic traffic mediates Ang II‐induced MEF2C activation and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. PKCε and ERK5 may be potential targets in the treatment of pathological vascular hypertrophy associated with the enhanced renin–angiotensin system. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 653–662, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ursolic acid overcomes Bcl‐2‐mediated resistance to apoptosis in prostate cancer cells involving activation of JNK‐induced Bcl‐2 phosphorylation and degradation
Authors: Zhang Yu‐xi , Kong Chui‐ze , Wang Lin‐hui , Li Jin‐yi , Liu Xian‐kui , Xu Bin , Xu Chuan‐liang , Sun Ying‐hao
Published: January 2010

Androgen‐independent prostate cancers express high levels of Bcl‐2, and this over‐expression of Bcl‐2 protects prostate cancer cells from undergoing apoptosis. Ursolic acid (UA) has demonstrated an anti‐proliferative effect in various tumor types. The aim of this study is to evaluate the difference between UA‐induced apoptosis in androgen‐dependent prostate cancer cell line LNCaP cells and androgen‐independent prostate cancer cell line LNCaP‐AI cells and to reveal the molecular mechanisms underlying the apoptosis. We found that UA treatment in vitro can effectively induce apoptosis in LNCaP and LNCaP‐AI cells. UA can overcome Bcl‐2‐mediated resistance to apoptosis in LNCaP‐AI cells. Intrinsic apoptotic pathways can be triggered by UA treatment because c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) is activated and subsequently provokes Bcl‐2 phosphorylation and degradation, inducing activation of caspase‐9. Although further evaluation is clearly needed, the present results suggest the potential utility of UA as a novel therapeutic agent in advanced prostate cancer. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 764–773, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Immature and mature megakaryocytes enhance osteoblast proliferation and inhibit osteoclast formation
Authors: Ciovacco Wendy A. , Cheng Ying‐Hua , Horowitz Mark C. , Kacena Melissa A.
Published: January 2010

Recent data suggest that megakaryocytes (MKs) play a role in skeletal homeostasis. In vitro and in vivo data show that MKs stimulate osteoblast (OB) proliferation and inhibit osteoclast (OC) formation, thus favoring net bone deposition. There are several mouse models with dysregulated megakaryopoiesis and resultant high bone mass phenotypes. One such model that our group has extensively studied is GATA‐1 deficient mice. GATA‐1 is a transcription factor required for normal megakaryopoiesis, and mice deficient in GATA‐1 have increases in immature MK number and a striking increase in bone mass. While the increased bone mass could simply be a result of increased MK number, here we take a more in depth look at the MKs of these mice to see if there is a unique factor inherent to GATA‐1 deficient MKs that favors increased bone deposition. We show that increased MK number does correspond with increased OB proliferation and decreased OC formation that stage of maturation does not alter the effect of MKs on bone cell lineages beyond the megakaryoblast stage, and that GATA‐1 deficient MKs survive longer than wild‐type controls. So while increased MK number in GATA‐1 deficient mice likely contributes to the high bone mass phenotype, we propose that the increased longevity of this lineage also plays a role. Since GATA‐1 deficient MKs live longer they are able to exert both more proliferative influence on OBs and more inhibitory influence on OCs. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 774–781, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and phonon properties of nanosized Aurivillius phase of Bi2MoO6
Authors: Ma̧czka M. , Macalik L. , Hermanowicz K. , Kȩpiński L. , Hanuza J.
Published: January 2010

Nanosized crystallites Bi2MoO6 of a platelet shape were synthesized by a mild hydrothermal crystallization process. The effect of particle size on the structure and properties of Bi2MoO6 was studied by X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, as well as Raman and infrared (IR) spectroscopies. Moreover, temperature‐dependent Raman spectra were collected for bulk and nanocrystalline Bi2MoO6. These studies showed that the thickness of the smallest crystallites is about 8–11 nm. Raman and IR studies have revealed that the damping and the intensity of Raman and IR bands are significantly modified with decreasing particle size and temperature. Moreover, some bands experience significant shifts both towards lower and higher wavenumbers. The obtained results indicate that, similar to the isostructural Bi2WO6, the orthorhombic distortion decreases with decreasing particle size. However, the structure of nanocrystalline Bi2MoO6 remains orthorhombic and noncentrosymmetric, and the structural changes are not the same as those observed in Bi2WO6. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Poly(ethylene oxide)‐block‐poly[2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] as Strengthening Agent in Paper: Dynamic Mechanical Characterization
Authors: Vesterinen Arja‐Helena , Rich Jaana , Myllytie Petri , Laine Janne , Seppälä Jukka
Published: January 2010

To enhance adhesion properties of PEO on wood fibers, block polymers of PEO and 2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate were synthesized. The polymers were further modified to obtain strongly cationic species. The resulting polymers were used as additives in paper sheets. Papers were studied by DMA in a controlled‐humidity chamber. Addition of the PEO block co‐polymers enhanced paper strength. The strength of the paper sheets was highest when polymer with molecular weight of 400 kg · mol−1 was used as an additive. Highly cationic block co‐polymers increased moduli of paper sheets more than their weakly cationic analogs, which indicated strong interaction with fiber surfaces. Strength of the paper sheets decreased both with increased temperature and humidity.

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Fabrication, Assembly, and Application of Patchy Particles
Authors: Pawar Amar B. , Kretzschmar Ilona
Published: January 2010

The site‐specific engineering of colloidal surfaces has provided a powerful approach to pushing the boundaries of today's materials research. The resulting surface‐anisotropic and patchy particles have become the center of vital research areas, ranging from the need for large‐scale fabrication techniques to exploring new applications of these materials. This Review summarizes patchy particle fabrication techniques, including but not limited to particle and nanosphere lithography and glancing‐angle deposition. The variety of existing patchy particle fabrication techniques is revealed and the need for a scalable approach to high‐volume patchy particle production is identified. Ongoing modeling efforts describing patchy particle interactions and properties are reviewed as potential predictive tools. Research endeavors that deal with the directed assembly of patchy particles in electric and magnetic fields, as well as with supraparticular assembly through chemical interactions, are discussed. The Review is concluded with a note on the future application of patchy particles as phoretic motors.

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