bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of a new railway line embankment (Mediterranean TGV) on the frequency of spring frosts in a fruit‐growing area of the Durance Valley (south of France)
Authors: Quénol Hervé , Beltrando Gérard
Published: June 2008

The new Mediterranean High Speed Railway (Paris–Marseille) passes through the fruit orchards of the Durance Valley in the south of France (Provence). With radiative weather conditions (clear sky, cool wind), spatial variability of nocturnal temperature is significant especially on rough terrains (slope, depression) and in areas with an obstacle. Thus, every obstacle, such as an embankment, can modify the cold airflow and induces an accumulation upstream. In this area, the average number of frost days in spring is 1.82 days (climate normals of 1961–1990 at the Istres weather station). The aim of this article is to present a methodology adapted to fine scales (measurements and cartography) to evaluate the impact of the embankment on the frost risk.

Results show that the embankment modifies local night airflow. The embankment modifies the circulation of the down‐valley wind while permitting the local gravity winds to be established more intensely and to cause an increase of cooling in topographic depressions or upstream from an obstruction. Two areas can be identified on both sides of the embankment. The first area, to the northeast of the embankment, is influenced by the down‐valley wind. Conversely, in the second area southwest of the embankment, gravity winds are established. In this area, the minimum temperature at night can be colder by more than 2 °C and this increases the risk of frost damage. Cartography showed that nearly 100 ha of fruit trees were subjected to this additional frost risk. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Near real‐time provision of downwelling shortwave radiation estimates derived from satellite observations
Authors: Geiger Bernhard , Meurey Catherine , Lajas Dulce , Franchistéguy Laurent , Carrer Dominique , Roujean Jean‐Louis
Published: June 2008

The EUMETSAT Satellite Application Facility for Land Surface Analysis operationally delivers estimates of the downwelling shortwave radiation flux, which constitutes an important variable for characterising the surface energy budget. The product is derived from observations provided by the SEVIRI instrument onboard the geostationary satellites of the Meteosat Second Generation series. The spatial coverage of the product includes Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and parts of South America. It is generated every 30 min and distributed to the users in near real‐time. For clear sky conditions the flux estimate is determined with a parameterisation of the atmospheric transmittance as a function of the concentration of atmospheric constituents. For overcast sky a simple physical model of the radiation transfer in the cloud‐atmosphere‐surface system is employed, for which the satellite signal supplies the essential input information. The product has been validated with in situ data from six European ground measurement stations. The resulting statistics show a standard deviation of the difference between instantaneous satellite estimates and ground measurements in the order of 40 W m−2 for clear sky data and 110 W m−2 for cloudy sky data. For the complete sample including all data points the standard deviation amounts to 85 W m−2. The bias between the satellite product and the ground data is small with absolute values of less than 10 W m−2. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Macromol. React. Eng. 3/2008
Authors: Wang Wei , Hutchinson Robin A.
Published: June 2008

Cover: High temperature semibatch starved‐feed solution copolymerization is used to produce acrylic resins for coatings formulations. A general mechanistic model including penultimate chain‐growth kinetics and other secondary reactions at elevated temperature is formulated to predict the copolymerization behavior of styrene and methacrylates. Further details can be found in the article by W. Wang and R. A. Hutchinson* on page 199.
Inverse optimal noise‐to‐state stabilization of stochastic recurrent neural networks driven by noise of unknown covariance
Authors: Liu Ziqian , Wang Qunjing , Schurz Henri
Published: June 2008

In this paper, we extend our previous research results regarding the stabilization of recurrent neural networks from the concept of input‐to‐state stability to noise‐to‐state stability, and present a new approach to achieve noise‐to‐state stabilization in probability for stochastic recurrent neural networks driven by the noise of unknown covariance. This approach is developed by using the Lyapunov technique, inverse optimality, differential game theory, and the Hamilton–Jacobi–Isaacs equation. Numerical examples demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A prospective observational study of IVC filters in pediatric patients
Authors: Raffini Leslie , Cahill Anne Marie , Hellinger Jeffrey , Manno Catherine
Published: June 2008

Background

The use of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters to prevent pulmonary embolism (PE) has increased with the advent of retrievable filters (Crowther: Am J Med 120: S13–S17, 2007). Both permanent and retrievable filters have been used in the pediatric population, though reports describing such patients and their outcomes are limited.

Procedure

Our center has established a longitudinal prospective cohort study of consecutive patients with acute venous thromboembolism (VTE) at our pediatric tertiary care institution. Data collection in this study includes medical history, risk factors, radiologic and laboratory studies, therapy, and follow‐up.

Results

Two hundred ten patients were enrolled into this cohort from January 2003 to January 2007. IVC filters were percutaneously placed into 11 patients, ranging in age from 6.8 to 23.4 years. The primary reason for filter placement was a VTE and a contraindication to anticoagulation. Nine patients had retrievable filters placed and two received permanent filters. Seven of the nine retrievable filters were removed 21–97 days (median 37 days) after placement. In the remaining two patients, thrombus prevented removal in one, and the filter was electively retained in the other. One patient with a permanent filter died from malignancy. The three patients who are alive and well with IVC filters have had them for 25–60 months. No patient with an IVC filter developed a subsequent PE.

Conclusions

Approximately 5% of patients in this pediatric thrombosis cohort received an IVC filter. The placement and removal of these devices is technically feasible in children. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:517–520. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intracerebral small round cell tumor: An unusual case with EWS‐WT1 translocation
Authors: Bouchireb Karim , Auger Nathalie , Bhangoo Ranjeev , Di Rocco Federico , Brousse Nicole , Delattre Olivier , Varlet Pascale , Grill Jacques
Published: June 2008

Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare tumor, seen both in children and young adults with a marked predilection for the peritoneal cavity. Histology showed a small round cell tumor with a fibromyxoïd stroma and immunohistochemistry indicated neural and mesenchymal differentiation, and diagnosis was made by molecular detection of the EWS‐WT1 fusion gene product. DSRCT should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intracranial small round cell tumors. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:545–548. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Local lymph node involvement in pediatric renal cell carcinoma: A report from the Italian TREP project
Authors: Indolfi Paolo , Bisogno Gianni , Cecchetto Giovanni , Spreafico Filippo , De Salvo Gian Luca , Collini Paola , Jenkner Alessandro , Inserra Alessandro , Schiavetti Amalia , di Martino Martina , Casale Fiorina
Published: June 2008

Background

One of the most important adverse prognostic factors for adult renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the retroperitoneal lymph node involvement. The aim of this article is to study the prognostic significance of local lymph node involvement in pediatric RCC and the role of retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RLND) at diagnosis.

Procedure

The series included 16 patients with RCC and lymph nodes involvement registered in the Italian Rare Tumors Pediatric Age (TREP) project, accounting for 26.2% of 61 pediatric RCC observed at AIEOP centers.

Results

A radical nephrectomy was performed in all cases: at diagnosis in 12 cases, after preoperative chemotherapy (CT) in 4 cases. As a part of the same procedure 9 patients underwent RLND, and 7 received a more limited lymph nodes resection. Five (31.2%) developed disease recurrence 2–34 months after diagnosis (median, 6 months) plus 1 developed progression; 6 patients died, 1 of them from secondary leukemia. Among the nine patients receiving RLND, eight are alive and disease free. This compares with only one patient surviving among the seven receiving a more limited lymph nodes resection. The estimated 25‐year PFS and OS rates for all patients were 61.4% (95% CI 33.2–80.5) and 50.8% (95% CI 16.5–77.5), respectively.

Conclusions

Lymph node involvement is an unfavorable prognostic factor in children with RCC. RLND appears to be a critical factor to improve the outcome. However, when compared to similar adult patients, the outcome in children appears to be better, suggesting that pediatric RCC, or the host, may be critical differences. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:475–478. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differences in CTG triplet repeat expansion in leukemic cells and normal lymphocytes from a 14‐year‐old female with congenital myotonic dystrophy
Authors: Akiyama Masaharu , Yuza Yuki , Yokokawa Yuichi , Yokoi Kentaro , Ariga Masamichi , Eto Yoshikatsu
Published: June 2008

We describe a rare case of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a 14‐year‐old female with congenital myotonic dystrophy manifested as mental retardation, extensive contractures of multiple joints of the lower extremities, and severe scoliosis. Because of the potential toxicity of chemotherapy and the patient's poor performance status, a modified chemotherapy regimen was administered. Analysis of the greatly expanded number of CTG repeats at the 3′ untranslated region of DMPK gene showed that the number of repeats was 233 greater in leukemic cells than in normal lymphocytes; this elongation may have occurred during the cellular proliferation of leukemic clones. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:563–565. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tribological behaviors of aligned carbon nanotube/fullerene‐epoxy nanocomposites
Authors: Wang Huan , Feng Jiyun , Hu Xijun , Ng Ka Ming
Published: June 2008

The tribological properties of aligned CNT/fullerene‐epoxy nanocomposites were studied by nanoscratch, nanowear, and nano‐indentation tests. Compared with neat epoxy, aligned CNT/fullerene‐epoxy nanocomposites showed lower friction coefficient in scratch tests, a reduction of 38.1 and 26.2%, respectively. In addition, the aligned CNT‐epoxy composite showed better wear resistance and its hardness and Young's modulus increased by 29.4 and 16.8%, respectively. In contrast, for a fullerene‐epoxy nanocomposite with 10 wt% fullerenes, the hardness decreased by 50% and the Young's modulus decreased by more than 60% when compared with the neat epoxy. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Study on synthesis of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) grafted carbon black and temperature‐dependence conductivity of grafted carbon black/epoxy composites
Authors: Cheng Jianguo , Wang Li , Huo Jia , Yu Haojie , Yang Qiang , Deng Libo
Published: June 2008

Carbon black nanoparticle grafted with poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (CB‐g‐PNIPAAm) was synthesized by surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI‐ATRP). The temperature‐responsive behavior of CB‐g‐PNIPAAm was proved by temperature‐variable 1H NMR. A temperature‐dependent conductive composite was prepared by blending CB‐g‐PNIPAAm with epoxy resin. The relationship between temperature and resistivity of the composite was studied: the composite exhibited a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) phenomenon. Possible mechanism for the NTC phenomenon was suggested. The results showed that resultant composites can be used in intelligent temperature‐switching. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 1529–1535, 2008
Effect of binary block‐selective solvents on self‐assembly of ABA triblock copolymer in dilute solution
Authors: Yu Haizhou , Zhu Jintao , Jiang Wei
Published: June 2008

We have studied the self‐assembly of the ABA triblock copolymer (P4VP‐b‐PS‐b‐P4VP) in dilute solution by using binary block‐selective solvents, that is, water and methanol. The triblock copolymer was first dissolved in dioxane to form a homogeneous solution. Subsequently, a given volume of selective solvent was added slowly to the solution to induce self‐assembly of the copolymer. It was found that the copolymer (P4VP43‐b‐PS366‐b‐P4VP43) tended to form spherical aggregate or bilayer structure when we used methanol or water as the single selective solvent, respectively. However, the aggregates with various nanostructures were obtained by using mixtures of water and methanol as the block‐selective solvents. The aggregate structure changed from sphere to rod, vesicle, and then to bilayer by changing water content in the block‐selective solvent from 0 to 100%. Moreover, it was found that the vesicle size could be well controlled by changing the copolymer content in the solution. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 1536–1545, 2008
Nanoconfinement as a tool to study early stages of polymer crystallization
Authors: Beiner Mario
Published: June 2008

This article promotes the idea that crystallization experiments under confinement can be an interesting tool to learn more about the early stages of polymer crystallization in bulk systems. Based on various results from the recent literature, it is demonstrated that crystalline forms that are metastable, transient, or inaccessible in bulk samples can be easily obtained and studied in nanoscopic compartments. This is interesting in the light of the recent discussion about thermodynamic reasons for the temporary occurrence of a mesophase at the growth front of crystals in bulk polymers, in particular, about a hexagonally packed mesophase in polyethylene. The experimental findings for nanoconfined methylene sequences seem to support indirectly thermodynamic approaches explaining the occurrence of a mesophase based on the small thickness of the crystal at the growth front. A first estimate for the critical crystal thickness dmc defining the transition from hexagonal to orthorhombic packing in case of confined methylene sequences is provided based on results for side chain polymers. Further perspectives of crystallization experiments on confined systems are discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 1556–1561, 2008
Effect of specific rotation of chiral dopant and polymerization temperature on reflectance properties of polymer stabilized cholesteric liquid crystal cells
Authors: Guo Jinbao , Yu Lilong , Liu Fang , Guo Renwei , Ma Guojing , Cao Hui , Yang Huai
Published: June 2008

A series of polymer stabilized cholesteric liquid crystal (PSCLC) cells were prepared by photo‐polymerization of a cholesteric liquid crystal (Ch‐LC) mixture containing a nonreactive LC, a nematic diacrylate and a novel cholesteryl monomer. The influence of the specific rotation and concentration of the chiral dopants, and the polymerization temperature on reflection properties was investigated. The results demonstrate that the reflection band was broadened after polymerization for all the systems both left‐handed S811 and right‐handed R1011 as the chiral dopant, which is speculated to be a result of an inhomogeneous consumption of the chiral monomer within the system. Additionally, the polymer temperature plays an integral role in the observed reflection spectra, and at optimum polymerization temperature the broadband reflection effect becomes much more pronounced. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the role of microscopic changes of the polymer network induced by polymerization temperature. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 1562–1570, 2008
Anomalous Roughness Scaling of Well‐Ordered Amorphous Fluorocarbon Films Deposited from an Octafluorocyclobutane Plasma
Authors: Baloniak Tim , von Keudell Achim
Published: June 2008

Fluorocarbon thin films with adjustable surface roughness are deposited in a capacitively coupled octafluorocyclobutane (c‐C4F8) plasma at a pressure of 40 Pa and 100 Pa. The surface morphology is studied using non‐contact atomic force microscopy (AFM). The film properties are analyzed using spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The interface roughness w of the 100 Pa deposition rapidly increases with deposition time t according to a power law $w \sim t^\beta$ with a dynamic scaling exponent β of 1.35 ± 0.08. This large β‐value indicates anomalous roughness scaling. Different growth models are discussed which might explain the rapid roughness evolution that is observed during high pressure deposition.

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Absorption of Photo‐Ionizing Radiation of Corona Discharges in Air
Authors: Aints Märt , Haljaste Ants , Plank Toomas , Roots Leho
Published: June 2008

The absorption characteristics of photo‐ionizing VUV radiation emitted by corona discharges in the pressure range from 20 to 750 Torr in dry and humid air were measured. The experimental results are compared with data and approximation formulae obtained by others. For a wide region of pressure and absorption path length, the formula proposed by Zheleznyak et al. (Teplofiz. Vysokih Temp. 1982, 20, 423) seems to be the most reliable for approximation of our results for dry air. We propose a modification of that formula for humid air. The obtained results are suitable for modelling of discharge development in ambient air.

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Crystal structure of phosphoglucose isomerase from Trypanosoma brucei complexed with glucose‐6‐phosphate at 1.6 Å resolution
Authors: Arsenieva Diana , Appavu Brian L. , Mazock Gloria H. , Jeffery Constance J.
Published: June 2008

Enzymes of glycolysis in Trypanosoma brucei have been identified as potential drug targets for African sleeping sickness because glycolysis is the only source of ATP for the bloodstream form of this parasite. Several inhibitors were previously reported to bind preferentially to trypanosomal phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI, the second enzyme in glycolysis) than to mammalian PGIs, which suggests that PGI might make a good target for species‐specific drug design. Herein, we report recombinant expression, purification, crystallization and X‐ray crystal structure determination of T. brucei PGI. One structure solved at 1.6 Å resolution contains a substrate, D‐glucose‐6‐phosphate, in an extended conformation in the active site. A second structure solved at 1.9 Å resolution contains a citrate molecule in the active site. The structures are compared with the crystal structures of PGI from humans and from Leishmania mexicana. The availability of recombinant tPGI and its first high‐resolution crystal structures are initial steps in considering this enzyme as a potential drug target. Proteins 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Wet pre‐treatment of poly(butylene) terephthalate‐poly(ethylene) terephthalate blend and subsequent metallization by electroplating
Authors: Ng C. S. , Mak C. L. , Wong Y. W.
Published: June 2008

Surface modification of poly(butylene) terephthalate‐poly(ethylene) terephthalate blend using sodium hydroxide pre‐treatment and followed by Cu‐deposition through electroplating technique is described. By etching with sodium hydroxide, rough surfaces with carbonyl functional groups were obtained. The correlation between the etching rate and the surface morphologies was studied. Surface composition after etching and electroplating were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction respectively. The roughness and the cross‐section morphologies of the blend before as well as after etching, and electrodeposition of Cu were characterized by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy respectively. Using contact angle measurements, the effects of the etching time on the hydrophilic character of the polymer surface were assessed. Adhesion of Cu layer, evaluated by the Scotch tape test, depended on the surface roughness and the palladium content of the activating bath. Our results show that engineering plastics with ester functional groups can be etched by using alkali to promote metallization. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Kinetics of induced electrodeposition of alloys containing Mo from citrate solutions
Authors: Beltowska‐Lehman E.
Published: June 2008

The kinetics of Ni‐Mo alloy electrodeposition from complex citrate‐sulphate baths has been investigated by means of steady‐state polarization measurements in a system with a rotating disk electrode (RDE). The partial current densities for deposition of Ni and Mo as a function of the solution composition, the cathode potentials and the rate of mass transport were determined. Strong interaction between the discharging metal ions occur: nickel induces molybdenum deposition, but its discharge is markedly inhibited by molybdenum. This effect, related to the formation of intermediate molybdenum oxides, becomes less pronounced when the rotation speed was increased. Hydrogen evolution is associated with molybdenum deposition. An increase of the molybdate ions concentration in the bath, as well as an increase in the rate of mass transport lead to an increase in Mo content in deposits and to the reduction of current efficiency. The surface morphology as a function of the content of molybdenum in the alloy were also investigated. Crack‐free, compact, semi‐bright Ni‐Mo coatings, containing up to about 40 wt% of Mo, characterized by good adhesion to steel substrate were obtained. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The effect of substrate on the microstructure and preferred orientation of nanocrystalline copper prepared by electrodeposition
Authors: Tjahyono N. I. , Chiu Y. L.
Published: June 2008

In the present work, nanocrystalline copper thin films have been prepared by electrodeposition using a high purity copper as anode. Two types of substrate have been used, one bcc low carbon steel and one fcc austenitic stainless steel. The deposition current density has been controlled at different values ranging from 20 to 80mA/cm2. SEM and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) technique have been used to characterise the deposited thin films. The orientation index, as evaluated using Harris method, shows a strong <110> texture with orientation index about 4 for copper deposited but on bcc low carbon steel substrate only. The grain sizes of the nanocrystalline copper have been evaluated following the Scherrer method. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Contributions regarding the research of some new nanostructured coating materials
Authors: Manciulea Ileana , Mihalevschi Daniela , Dumitrescu Lucia
Published: June 2008

Organic‐inorganic hybrid materials are very interesting for several applications thanks to their properties based on the synergistic combination of different components. The paper presents some contributions on synthesis and characterization of new coating nanomaterials based on combinations of alumina nanoparticles with functionalized acrylic polymers, that lead to the enhancement of the wood coatings properties, such as biocide activity. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Porous silicon for field emission display applications
Authors: Biaggi‐Labiosa A. , Solá F. , Resto O. , Fonseca Luis F. , González‐Berríos A. , Jesús J. De , Morell G.
Published: June 2008

We have obtained cathodoluminescence (CL) emission from porous silicon (PSi) films by excitation with electrons with kinetic energies below 2 keV. We observed two types of CL emissions, a stable one and a non‐stable one. The stable emission is characterized by a CL peak that is red shifted with respect to its photoluminescence (PL) peak. The other CL emission is the most promising in terms of its application to field emission display technology. We were able to tune this CL emission by controlling the average size of the nanoparticles. This size dependence shows that the mechanism for this type of CL emission can be associated to the quantum confinement and surface chemistry effects that are known to exist in the porous silicon system. To further prove this point we were able to correlate this CL emission with its PL counterpart. In addition, we present our preliminary results for the beginning of a proof‐of‐concept for a field emission display using carbon nanofibers as the electron emitter component and a “PSi paste” as the display component. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electrochemical deposition of Ni‐based thin film cermets using polymeric additives
Authors: Duta Anca , Bogatu Cristina , Chitanu Gabrielle C. , Pelin Mihaela I.
Published: June 2008

This paper presents the synthesis and characterisation of Ni/NiOx cermets obtained via electrochemical deposition. Electrolytic baths based on nickel chloride were tested and the influence of the nickel precursor type and concentration, pH, ionic strength and additives was discussed. The optimal electrochemical deposition parameters were obtained in voltammetry studies. The AFM images were used for morphology characterisation, X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD) for structural analysis and respectively UV‐VIS‐IR spectroscopy for the optical measurements. Structural analyses have shown that the films consist mainly of crystalline Ni and amorphous oxidic nickel structures. To control the sample morphology, copolymers of maleic anhydride (vinyl acetate/methyl methacrylate) were added in the electrolytic bath. The use of hydrophilic polymer leads to better results in terms of optical properties and morphology of the electrodeposited films. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Preparation, structural and mechanical properties of electrodeposited Co/Cu multilayers
Authors: Tokarz A. , Wieczorek P. , Fra˛czek T. , Nitkiewicz Z.
Published: June 2008

Electrodeposited Co/Cu multilayer films were grown on (001)‐oriented Si and polycrystalline copper substrates by single bath technique. Several Co/Cu samples deposited with different sublayer thickness in the range of 1 to 20 nm were investigated. A series of the multilayers with varying bilayer thickness Λ were electrodeposited on copper substrates. The modulated structure of Co/Cu multilayer was investigated by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was found that the multilay ered deposits have columnar structure, with various column diameters. The column diameters and the preferential crystallographic orientation depend on the total thickness of the deposit. Mechanical properties of Co/Cu multilayers were investigated by microhardness and tribological tests. It was found that hardness of the Co/Cu multilayers depend on the bilayer period and is much higher than those of Co and Cu single layer coatings. A different wear mechanism of Co/Cu multilayers for bilayer period 6, 10 and 40 nm was observed. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Input‐to‐output stabilization of nonlinear systems via backstepping
Authors: Efimov D. V. , Fradkov A. L.
Published: June 2008

An extension of backstepping method for stabilization of nonlinear systems with respect to a set is presented. Robust control laws providing the system with input‐to‐output stability are proposed. Possibilities of non‐strict Lyapunov functions' application are discussed. The differences between a conventional backstepping method and an approach proposed in Kolesnikov (Synergetic Control Theory. Energoatomizdat: Moscow, 1994; 344) are analyzed. Performance of the obtained solutions is demonstrated by computer simulation for pendulum with actuator example. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of abiotic and biotic factors in structuring the metazoan plankton community in a lowland river
Authors: Rossetti Giampaolo , Viaroli Pierluigi , Ferrari Ireneo
Published: June 2008

Water and quantitative zooplankton samples were collected at approximately monthly intervals from June 2000 to June 2002 in the middle section of the Po River (Northern Italy). Highly variable hydrological conditions were observed in the 2 years, with river flow varying approximately between 400 and 9300 m3 s−1. Dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) usually decreased at higher river discharges. Autotrophic production was limited by phosphorus availability during the growing period (May–October); no significant adverse effect of zooplankton grazing upon algal biomass was detected. A total of 161 zooplankton taxa were found. The records of the rotifers Lecane incospicua, L. cornuta, Proales sigmoidea, Cephalodella limosa, and of the cladoceran Phrixura leei were new for Italy. Rotifers strikingly were the most abundant group over the entire sampling period. Zooplankton abundance was positively correlated to water temperature and chlorophyll‐a concentration, and only in warmer months inversely correlated to river flow. Species of the genus Brachionus were responsible for the two density peaks (>1000 ind L−1) of the rotifer taxocoenosis observed in July 2000 and August 2001, coinciding with chlorophyll‐a peaks higher than 50 µg L−1 and minima of Shannon equitability index. Water temperature, chlorophyll‐a, and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) were found to be the most important variables in explaining the observed rotifer assemblages by Canonical Correspondence Analysis. A simple descriptive model is proposed to represent the combined influence of abiotic constraints and biotic interactions on the zooplankton abundance and diversity in the middle reach of the Po River. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Zoo experiences: conversations, connections, and concern for animals
Authors: Clayton Susan , Fraser John , Saunders Carol D.
Published: June 2008

One way in which zoos attempt to fulfill their goal of conservation is by educating visitors about the importance of protecting wildlife. Research has only begun to examine the effectiveness of zoos in place‐based learning, and there has been much debate about how such informal learning is defined and measured. Free‐choice learning research has demonstrated that educational outcomes are often indirect, constructed by the visitor as much as they are influenced by the zoo's educational staff. This constructivist definition of education includes emotional dimensions and personal meaning‐making that occur in the social context of visiting, as well as any structured interpretive material provided on signs and through live presentations. This paper presents an examination of how the zoo is experienced by the visitor, through surveys and through observations of how visitors watch animals and incorporate those viewings into their social experience. Results from surveys of 206 zoo visitors show that support for protecting both individual animals and species is associated with learning, with wanting to know more, and with a feeling of connection to the animal. An analysis of 1,900 overheard visitor conversations suggests that zoo animals are used to facilitate topical interaction among social groups and to explore the connections that people share with nonhuman animals. The authors propose that these perceived positive connections may be related to support for conservation initiatives, and conclude that a visit to the zoo appears to be a positive emotional experience that leaves visitors interested in learning more about animals, irrespective of their reading the exhibit labels. Zoo Biol 28:377–397, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Use of Posterior Trans‐Sphincteric Approach in Surgery of the Rectum: A Chinese 16‐Year Experience
Authors: Qiu Hui‐Zhong , Lin Guo‐Le , Xiao Yi , Wu Bin
Published: June 2008

Background

The posterior trans‐sphincteric approach to treat different lesions of the rectum has been known since the last century. Although there are many advantages to this procedure, it has never been widely accepted because many surgeons fear its potential postoperative complications. The purpose of this study is to reevaluate the role of this conventional approach to surgery of the rectum from the authors’ 16 years experience.

Methods

Data were collected retrospectively from clinical records of 102 patients with mid‐ to low‐lying rectal neoplastic disease treated by a single surgeon using a posterior trans‐sphincteric approach to the rectum at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, China, between August 1990 and August 2006. The Williams incontinence scale of every patient was assessed preoperatively and postoperatively and the results were analyzed.

Results

Forty men and 62 women with a median age of 55.5 years (range = 21–87 years) underwent this approach. Their preoperative anal continence was assessed as grade 1 in 98 and grade 2 in 4. Indications for surgery were rectal villous adenoma in 36, early rectal carcinoma in 43, advanced rectal carcinoma in 10, and rectal submucosal neoplastic disease in 13. The median operating time, blood loss, and postoperative hospital stay were 75 min (range = 40–180 min), 60 ml (range = 0–300 ml), and 8 days (range = 7–60 days), respectively. All 102 rectal neoplastic diseases achieved complete excision (partial rectectomy in 96, segmental rectectomy in 6), and the resection margins were all clear. Three patients (2.9%) developed postoperative wound infection, and 4 patients (3.9%) developed fecal fistula. Thirty‐three patients (32.4%) developed postoperative initial incontinence to flatus (n = 26) or liquid stool (n = 7) within 1 week. Three months after the operation, 94 patients (92.2%) achieved grade 1 continence and only 8 patients (7.8%) had occasional episodes of flatus incontinence. No patient developed postoperative anal stricture. There was no operation‐related mortality. Three patients (2.9%) developed local tumor recurrence during median follow‐up of 76.8 months (range = 10–192 months).

Conclusion

The posterior trans‐sphincteric approach is suitable for mid‐ to low‐lying rectal lesions amenable to treatment using local therapy.
Population‐Based Information on Emergency Colorectal Surgery and Evaluation on Effect of Operative Volume on Mortality
Authors: Kwan T. L. , Lai F. , Lam C. M. , Yuen W. C. , Wai A. , Siu Y. C. , Shung E. , Law W. L.
Published: June 2008

Introduction

Population‐based information on emergency surgery for colorectal conditions was limited. The present study was designed to review comprehensively the outcomes of emergency colectomy in Hong Kong population and evaluate the effect of case load on mortality after considering case mixes.

Methods

All adult patients older than aged 18 years who underwent emergency colectomy in 2003 in all 15 Hong Kong public hospitals were included. Demographics and perioperative variables were reviewed and analyzed. Hospitals were classified into low, middle, or high operative volume groups according to their yearly caseloads, and their performance in terms of mortality were compared by using CR‐POSSUM.

Results

A total of 864 patients with a mean age of 67.8 years were included. Bowel obstruction and peritonitis were the two major clinical indications for the surgery. The crude in‐hospital mortality rate was 18.9%; individual hospitals varied from 8.7% to 33.3%. With the risk adjusted model, all hospital groups performed within 95% confidence limits of prediction. There was no statistical difference for mortality of hospitals of different case volume.

Conclusion

A crude in‐hospital mortality of 18.9% after emergency colorectal surgery was observed in Hong Kong public hospitals. Higher hospital case load is not significantly associated with better outcomes in emergency colectomy.
Diversity in Genetic Counseling: Past, Present and Future
Authors: Mittman Ilana Suez , Downs Katy
Published: June 2008

Despite decades of efforts to increase ethnic and racial diversity among genetic counselors, African Americans, Hispanics and American Indians, currently constituting almost one‐third of Americans, remain only meagerly represented among genetic counselors at a level far under that seen in other health professions. This paper provides the first comprehensive effort to archive published and unpublished initiatives to increase ethnic and racial diversity in the profession. It also provides a review of national data and diversity initiatives in the health workforce in general. The paper reviews diversity initiatives in other health professions and suggests ways to improve recruitment and retention of underrepresented populations into genetic counseling. Increasing the diversity of the genetic counseling workforce stands not only to expand access to genetic services but also to improve the quality of genetic care provided to the American public.
Brain Mitochondrial Lipid Abnormalities in Mice Susceptible to Spontaneous Gliomas
Authors: Kiebish Michael A. , Han Xianlin , Cheng Hua , Chuang Jeffrey H. , Seyfried Thomas N.
Published: June 2008

Alterations in mitochondrial function have long been considered a hallmark of cancer. We compared the lipidome and electron transport chain activities of non‐synaptic brain mitochondria in two inbred mouse strains, the C57BL/6J (B6) and the VM/Dk (VM). The VM strain is unique in expressing a high incidence of spontaneous brain tumors (1.5%) that are mostly gliomas. The incidence of gliomas is about 210‐fold greater in VM mice than in B6 mice. Using shotgun lipidomics, we found that the mitochondrial content of ethanolamine glycerophospholipid, phosphatidylserine, and ceramide was higher, whereas the content of total choline glycerophospholipid was lower in the VM mice than in B6 mice. Total cardiolipin content was similar in the VM and the B6 mice, but the distribution of cardiolipin molecular species differed markedly between the strains. B6 non‐synaptic mitochondria contained 95 molecular species of cardiolipin that were symmetrically distributed over 7 major groups based on mass charge. In contrast, VM non‐synaptic mitochondria contained only 42 molecular species that were distributed asymmetrically. The activities of Complex I, I/III, and II/III enzymes were lower, whereas the activity of complex IV was higher in the mitochondria of VM mice than in B6 mice. The high glioma incidence and alterations in electron transport chain activities in VM mice compared to B6 mice could be related to the unusual composition of mitochondrial lipids in the VM mouse brain.
Comparison of N-linked Glycoproteins in Human Whole Saliva, Parotid, Submandibular, and Sublingual Glandular Secretions Identified using Hydrazide Chemistry and Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Ramachandran Prasanna , Boontheung Pinmanee , Pang Eric , Yan Weihong , Wong David T. , Loo Joseph A.
Published: June 2008

Introduction

Saliva is a body fluid that holds promise for use as a diagnostic fluid for detecting diseases. Salivary proteins are known to be heavily glycosylated and are known to play functional roles in the oral cavity. We identified N-linked glycoproteins in human whole saliva, as well as the N-glycoproteins in parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glandular fluids.

Materials and Methods

We employed hydrazide chemistry to affinity enrich for N-linked glycoproteins and glycopeptides. PNGase F releases the N-peptides/proteins from the agarose-hydrazide resin, and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was used to identify the salivary N-glycoproteins.

Results

A total of 156 formerly N-glycosylated peptides representing 77 unique N-glycoproteins were identified in salivary fluids. The total number of N-glycoproteins identified in the individual fluids was: 62, 34, 44, and 53 in whole saliva, parotid fluid, submandibular fluid, and sublingual fluid, respectively. The majority of the N-glycoproteins were annotated as extracellular proteins (40%), and several of the N-glycoproteins were annotated as membrane proteins (14%). A number of glycoproteins were differentially found in submandibular and sublingual glandular secretions.

Conclusions

Mapping the N-glycoproteome of parotid, submandibular, and sublingual saliva is important for a thorough understanding of biological processes occurring in the oral cavity and to realize the role of saliva in the overall health of human individuals. Moreover, identifying glycoproteins in saliva may also be valuable for future disease biomarker studies.
Glycomic Approaches to Study GlcNAcylation: Protein Identification, Site-mapping, and Site-specific O-GlcNAc Quantitation
Authors: Wang Zihao , Hart Gerald W.
Published: June 2008

Background

O-Linked β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) is an enzyme-catalyzed posttranslational modification of serine or threonine side chains of nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins. O-GlcNAc is present in all metazoans and in viruses that infect eukaryotic cells. GlcNAcylation is dynamic and has a high cycling rate on many proteins in response to cellular metabolism and various environmental stimuli. The rapid cycling of O-GlcNAc modulates many biological processes, including transcriptional regulation, stress responses, cell cycle regulation, and protein synthesis and turnover.

Rationale

Despite the importance of O-GlcNAc, progress during the past two decades in this field has been slow. One of the major obstacles is the lack of simple and sensitive tools for efficient O-GlcNAc detection and localization. Recently developed O-GlcNAc derivatization and enrichment approaches, together with new techniques in mass spectrometric instrumentation and methods, have provided breakthroughs in O-GlcNAc site localization and site-specific quantitation. In this review, we will discuss how the current techniques are expanding our knowledge about O-GlcNAc proteomics/glycomics and functions.
Effect of plant oils in the diet on performance and milk fatty acid composition in goats fed diets based on grass hay or maize silage
Authors: Bernard Laurence , Shingfield Kevin J. , Rouel Jacques , Ferlay Anne , Chilliard Yves
Published: June 2008

Based on the potential benefits to long-term human health there is interest in developing sustainable nutritional strategies for reducing saturated and increasing specific unsaturated fatty acids in ruminant milk. The impact of plant oil supplements to diets containing different forages on caprine milk fatty acid composition was examined in two experiments using twenty-seven Alpine goats in replicated 3 × 3 Latin squares with 28 d experimental periods. Treatments comprised of no oil (control) or 130 g/d of sunflower-seed oil (SO) or linseed oil (LO) supplements added to diets based on grass hay (H; experiment 1) or maize silage (M; experiment 2). Milk fat content was enhanced (P < 0·01) on HSO, HLO and MLO compared with the corresponding H or M control diets, resulting in 17, 15 and 14 % increases in milk fat secretion, respectively. For both experiments, plant oils decreased (P < 0·05) milk 10 : 0–16 : 0 and odd- and branched-chain fatty acid content and increased 18 : 0,trans-Δ6–9,11–14,16-18 : 1 (and their corresponding Δ-9 desaturase products),trans-7,trans-9-conjugated linoleic acid (CLA),trans-9,trans-11-CLA andtrans-8,cis-10-CLA concentrations. Alterations in the distribution ofcis-18 : 1,trans-18 : 1, -18 : 2 and CLA isomers in milk fat were related to plant oil composition and forage in the diet. In conclusion, plant oils represent an effective strategy for altering the fatty acid composition of caprine milk, with evidence that the basal diet is an important determinant of ruminal unsaturated fatty acid metabolism in the goat.
A standardized sampling method to estimate mosquito richness and abundance for research and public health surveillance programmes
Authors: Mendoza F. , Ibáñez-Bernal S. , Cabrero-Sañudo F.J.
Published: June 2008

Programmes involving mosquito research and surveillance are normally focused on the study of aquatic larval stages, but sampling methods are varied and not systematized, which hinders the comparative analysis of ecological data. A standardized method for assessing the richness and abundance of mosquito larval populations of value for the analysis of mosquito diversity is presented. Based on the study of all the aquatic sites in a one hectare sample area with a proportional number of dips according to the size of the aquatic habitat, comparative data can be obtained on species richness and relative abundance of species found between pairs of sites or in the same area at different times. This technique provides information on the total mosquito fauna at each site, helps recognize species of medical importance and estimates the abundance of each species; parameters that are not estimated by the current entomological indexes used in surveillance programmes. The quality of the inventory is obtained by estimation of the efficiency effort. Procedures for calculating alpha, beta and gamma diversity are presented. The technique was validated in a natural and an urban zone at La Mancha, Veracruz, Mexico, over two years of sampling made during different climatic seasons.
RAPD and mitochondrial DNA analysis of the soybean stalk weevil,Sternechus subsignatus(Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Sosa-Gomez D.R. , Coronel N. , Binneck E. , Zucchi M.I. , Rosado-Neto G.
Published: June 2008

Sternechus subsignatusBoheman (Curculionidae: Sternechini) is one of the primary Curculionidae species that reduces soybean yield in Brazil. Initially, outbreaks were reported in southern Brazil in 1973; but, more recent, outbreaks were reported in Bahia (summer 1997–1998) and Maranhão (summer 2003–2004), two states in northeastern Brazil. A putative related species,S. pinguis(Fabricius), was first detected in Salta Province, Argentina. The objective of this study was to evaluate intraspecific molecular polymorphisms of geographically distinctSternechuspopulations. Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) profiles and partial mitochondrial cytochrome B (CytB) gene sequences were used to determine whether individual soybean stalk weevils were one of two different species and to infer pest invasion pattern. PutativeS. pinguisandS.subsignatuspopulations were collected in San Agustin (Cruz Alta, Tucumán Province, Argentina) and different sampling sites in the Brazilian states of Paraná, Bahia and Maranhão. Polymorphic bands were obtained by RAPD and analyzed by Dice coefficients. Populations from southern Brazil were more closely related genetically to an Argentinean group than the populations sampled in northeastern Brazil. The Londrina Co., Brazil population displayed the highest intra-population genetic similarity. Most of the soybean stalk weevils collected from San Agustin, Tucumán, Argentina were divergent from those collected in Brazil. Sequencing and parsimony analysis ofCytBdid not differentiate specimens collected in Argentina and Brazil. Thus, our data show that soybean stalk weevil outbreaks and population increases in northeastern Brazil involved local genotypes.