bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proteomic analysis identifies in vivo candidate matrix metalloproteinase‐9 substrates in the left ventricle post‐myocardial infarction
Authors: Zamilpa Rogelio , Lopez Elizabeth F. , Chiao Ying Ann , Dai Qiuxia , Escobar Gladys P. , Hakala Kevin , Weintraub Susan T. , Lindsey Merry L.
Published: March 2010

Matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) deletion has been shown to improve remodeling of the left ventricle post‐myocardial infarction (MI), but the mechanisms to explain this improvement have not been fully elucidated. MMP‐9 has a broad range of in vitro substrates, but relevant in vivo substrates are incompletely defined. Accordingly, we evaluated the infarct regions of wild‐type (wt) and MMP‐9 null (null) mice using a proteomic strategy. Wt and null groups showed similar infarct sizes (48±3 in wt and 45±3% in null), indicating that both groups received an equal injury stimulus. Left ventricle infarct tissue was homogenized and analyzed by 2‐DE and MS. Of 31 spot intensity differences, the intensities of 9 spots were higher and 22 spots were lower in null mice compared to wt (all p<0.05). Several extracellular matrix proteins were identified in these spots by MS, including fibronectin, tenascin‐C, thrombospondin‐1, and laminin. Fibronectin was observed on the gels at a lower than expected molecular weight in the wt group, which suggested substrate cleavage, and the lower molecular weight spot was observed at lower intensity in the MMP‐9 null group, which suggested cleavage by MMP‐9. Immunoblotting confirmed the presence of fibronectin cleavage products in the wt samples and lower levels in the absence of MMP‐9. In conclusion, examining infarct tissue from wt and MMP‐9 null mice by proteomic analysis provides a powerful and unique method to identify in vivo candidate MMP substrates.
Balancing robust quantification and identification for iTRAQ: Application of UHR‐ToF MS
Authors: Ow Saw Yen , Noirel Josselin , Salim Malinda , Evans Caroline , Watson Rod , Wright Phillip. C.
Published: March 2010

iTRAQ reagents allow the simultaneous multiplex identification and quantification of a large number of proteins. Success depends on effective peptide fragmentation in order to generate both peptide sequence ions (higher mass region, 150–2200 m/z) and reporter ions (low mass region, 113–121 m/z) for protein identification and relative quantification, respectively. After collision‐induced dissociation, the key requirements to achieve a good balance between the high and low m/z ions are effective ion transmission and detection across the MS/MS mass range, since the ion transmission of the higher m/z range competes with that of the low m/z range. This study describes an analytical strategy for the implementation of iTRAQ on maXis UHR‐Qq‐ToF instruments, and discusses the impact of adjusting the MS/MS ion transmission parameters on the quality of the overall data sets. A technical discussion highlights a number of maXis‐specific parameters, their impact of quantification and identification, and their cross‐interactions.
A randomized, controlled study of Internet peer‐to‐peer interactions among women newly diagnosed with breast cancer
Authors: Salzer Mark S. , Palmer Steven C. , Kaplan Katy , Brusilovskiy Eugene , Ten Have Thomas , Hampshire Maggie , Metz James , Coyne James C.
Published: March 2010

Objective: Peer‐to‐peer interactions are associated with enhanced psychosocial adjustment among women with breast cancer. Millions of women with cancer and others with various health conditions use the Internet to establish peer relationships, usually without professional moderation. This paper reports findings from the first randomized, controlled study of the benefits of these types of Internet‐based peer interactions.

Methods: This pilot study involved seventy‐eight women who were recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Participants were randomly assigned to either an Internet peer support condition or Internet‐based educational control condition. Data were gathered at baseline and 4‐ and 12‐months. Primary outcomes of interest were psychological distress and quality of life.

Results: Contrary to hypotheses, participants in the Internet peer support condition tended to do worse over time on primary outcome measures. There were no differences between groups on secondary outcomes of perceived social support, self‐efficacy, or hope. Paradoxically, many women in the Internet peer support condition actively participated and reported high levels of satisfaction, suggesting some self‐perceived benefits.

Conclusions: These results suggest that Internet based peer‐to‐peer interactions may not necessarily be universally beneficial despite the positive experiences reported by many participants. Further research is needed to understand the magnitude of this effect with a larger sample. Moreover, these results raise questions about the need to understand the comparative effectiveness of Internet‐based communications by group structure (i.e., unstructured/structured; unmoderated/moderated) and the effect of content (i.e., expression of fear/anxiety, insightful disclosures, etc.) on outcomes. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design of magnetic properties of arrays of magnetostatically coupled glass‐covered magnetic microwires
Authors: Rodionova V. , Ipatov M. , Ilyn M. , Zhukova V. , Perov N. , Gonzalez J. , Zhukov A.
Published: March 2010

We have studied magnetization reversal in arrays consisting of different numbers of Co67Fe3.9Ni1.5B11.5Si14.5M1.6 and Fe74B13Si11C2 amorphous microwires with different shape of the hysteresis loops. Fe74B13Si11C2 microwires have rectangular hysteresis loops, while Co67Fe3.9Ni1.5B11.5Si14.5M1.6 with vanishing magnetostriction constant possess inclined hysteresis loops with low coercivity. The presence of a neighboring microwire (Fe‐ or Co‐based) significantly modifies the hysteresis loop of the whole microwire array. In microwire arrays containing Fe‐based microwires we observed splitting of the initially rectangular hysteresis loop with a number of Barkhausen jumps correlated with the number of Fe‐rich microwires. In arrays consisting of Co‐based microwires we observed a change of inclination of the overall hysteresis loop and consequently the magnetic anisotropy field. In the case of mixed arrays containing Fe‐ and Co‐rich microwires we were able to obtain irregular hysteresis loops with unusual shape. In this case, a considerable increase of harmonics has been observed. The observed dependences have been interpreted through magnetostatic interaction between the microwires with different magnetic–domain structures. Besides the conventional methods, such as thermal treatment, designing arrays containing different types of microwires can serve to tailor their magnetic properties.
Spectral properties of InN and its native oxide from first principles
Authors: Bechstedt F. , Fuchs F. , Furthmüller J.
Published: March 2010

Electronic single‐ and two‐particle excitations and their influence on electron, optical, and X‐ray spectra are studied byab initiomethods and discussed in the light of experiments for InN and its native oxide In2O3. The theoretical approaches are based on iterative solutions of the quasiparticle equation. The resulting gaps for InN and In2O3are close to experimental data. The total density of states (DOS) explains the XPS measurements. There is excellent agreement between site‐ and orbital‐projected DOS and X‐ray absorption spectra. The rigid shift between theory and experiment is identified as core exciton binding energy. The inclusion of excitonic effects yields optical spectra whose lineshapes are in agreement with the measured peak structure. Our computational method possesses an accuracy that allows the prediction of binding energiesEBin the meV range for Wannier–Mott excitons. For InN we predict$E_{\rm B} < 5\,{\rm meV}$. The parameter‐free methods give the energy gaps of the different In2O3polymorphs and explain the so‐called indirect gap by interconduction band transitions. The band alignment using the branch‐point energy yields band discontinuities resulting in a type‐I heterostructure.
Theoretical simulation and preparation of binary and ternary combinatorial libraries by thermal PVD
Authors: Klemm Sebastian Oliver , Martin Alistair Graeme , Lengsfeld Julia , Schauer Janine‐Christina , Schuhmacher Bernd , Hassel Achim Walter
Published: March 2010

Binary and ternary composition spread material libraries were prepared using a thermal physical vapor deposition system with three separated heating sources and adjustable chamber geometry. In this work, we present binary Cu84‐20Al16‐80 and Zn71‐8Mg29‐92 libraries as well as a ternary Cu67‐6Ag81‐13Mg66‐12 system with a thickness around 300 nm. The composition of the obtained films was determined by automated energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and the data further used to develop a mathematical model to simulate the surface. The thickness of a copper film was measured by atomic force microscopy and used to verify the theoretical model, whereas topography scans provided information on the surface roughness. The consistency between theoretical simulations and observed compositions concludes multiple source thermal co‐evaporation to be a reliable method with high variety regarding source metals and deposition rates and therefore of high value for material library fabrication.
A functional immobilization of semiconductor nanoparticles (quantum dots) on nanoporous aluminium oxide
Authors: Hobler Christian , Bakowsky Udo , Keusgen Michael
Published: March 2010

Semiconductor nanoparticles (so‐called ‘quantum dots’, QDs) are investigated for about 20 years because of their unique fluorescent and semiconductive properties. QDs were mainly used for analytical systems outside and inside a living organism. However, for most of these analytical systems, surface of QDs has to be modified. Immobilization techniques for semiconductor nanoparticles are showing wide interests within solar‐cell technologies and biosensor development. A functional inorganic/organic hybrid nanosystem could be realized by combination of an inorganic synthesis of semiconductor nanoparticles with commonly used amino acid chemistry on the surface of extremely hydrophilic aluminium oxide filter membranes. 3‐Aminopropyle‐triethoxysilane (APTES), allyloxy‐trimethylsilane and Fmoc‐(S‐t‐Bu)‐cystine were used for surface modification. After cleavage of protective groups Fmoc and t‐Bu, semiconductor nanoparticles were immobilized by self‐assembly on filter surface. The immobilization can be explained according to commonly used ligand‐exchange reactions. This technique results in strongly fluorescent surfaces presenting an additional amino‐group for further functionalization. The obtained membranes are suitable for various diagnostic applications like multi‐parameter immunoassays and array applications at nanoscale.
Large scale synthesis of single crystalline tungsten nanowires with extreme aspect ratios
Authors: Hassel Achim Walter , Milenkovic Srdjan , Smith Andrew Jonathan
Published: March 2010

One gram of tungsten nanowires – equivalent to 5 billion single wires – was produced by electrochemically processing a directionally solidified eutectic NiAl‐W alloy. Their release is realised by selective dissolution of the matrix with a yield beyond 98%. The nanowires are single crystals, homogeneous in diameter, and have extremely high aspect‐ratios (>1000!). A multitude of potential applications are feasible – including sensing, probing, and high temperature nanotechnology.

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Effect of oxygen pressure on the structure and luminescence of Eu‐doped Gd2O3 thin films
Authors: Wellenius Patrick , Smith Eric R. , Wu Pae C , Everitt Henry O. , Muth John F.
Published: March 2010

Europium‐doped gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) thin films were deposited on sapphire substrates by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The effect of oxygen pressure during deposition on the structure of the thin films, investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD), was correlated to photoluminescence spectra. The polycrystalline films, like the one deposited in 5 mTorr oxygen environment, were primarily monoclinic phase; however the rarer cubic phase was achieved at 50 mTorr pressure. Time‐integrated and time‐resolved photoluminescence (TIPL and TRPL) spectra of the bright 5D0 to 7F2 radiative transition revealed how the differing host material phases altered the local environment of the Eu dopants.
The downstream impact of tropical cyclones on a developing baroclinic wave in idealized scenarios of extratropical transition
Authors: Riemer Michael , Jones Sarah C.
Published: March 2010

The interaction of a tropical cyclone with a developing baroclinic wave is investigated in an idealized scenario of extratropical transition (ET). The impact of ET is examined by comparing and analyzing two numerical baroclinic‐wave experiments: a traditional experiment in which baroclinic development is excited by a localized upper‐level perturbation on a realistic jet profile and an experiment in which, additionally, a model tropical cyclone is inserted south of the jet at the initial time.

ET occurs in a wavy upper‐level flow while baroclinic surface systems are still weak. The characteristic direct impact of ET on the midlatitude flow is the formation of a distinct jet streak and the amplification of a ridge–trough couplet in the adjacent downstream region. The subsequent rapid cyclogenesis downstream is a direct consequence of these upper‐level flow modifications. This faster and stronger development constitutes the amplification of the leading edge of downstream development. Both the upper‐level wave pattern and the surface development are subsequently amplified in the region further downstream.

The formation of the ridge adjacent to the intensified downstream cyclone is analyzed in detail to elucidate the next stage in the downstream dispersion of the ET impact. Ridge‐building in the ET scenario exhibits characteristics distinct from those in the life‐cycle experiment. Wave breaking, feedback from the modified low‐level frontal structure and diabatic processes all contribute to the high‐amplitude wave pattern downstream of ET.

The downstream impact of ET is highly sensitive to the initial storm location and intensity. The considerable amplification of the leading edge found in the reference experiment is the most widespread and rapidly propagating impact. We thus speculate that this leading edge represents an optimal location of the midlatitude circulation, where ET can lead to the most significant impact on the downstream flow. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Theoretical studies of reactivity and selectivity in some organic reactions
Authors: Meneses Lorena , Araya Andrea , Pilaquinga Fernanda , Espín Michelle , Carrillo Pamela , Sánchez Freddy
Published: March 2010

Some organic reactions with biological or commercial interest have been studied by using reactivity and selectivity indices proposed in the density functional theory. The reactions studied include the electrophilic additions, the Baeyer‐Villiger oxidations, and the nucleophilic substitutions. For the study, the concepts of electrophilicity and nucleophilicity have been applied as reactivity descriptors. The local hardness has been applied as well as a selectivity descriptor. In this way, the reactivity and selectivity patterns have been studied for the reactants involved in these organic reactions. They have been ranked in theoretical scales which are comparable with experimental scales obtained from kinetic data. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem 110:2360–2370, 2010
Towards a unified formulation of dynamics and thermodynamics. I. From microscopic to macroscopic time scales
Authors: Durand Philippe , Paidarová Ivana
Published: March 2010

We go a step further on the path opened in the mid‐1950s by Prigogine and his collaborators towards a unified description of dynamics and thermodynamics of irreversible processes. Here, the theory is developed from concepts and methods originating in the quantum theory of resonances. The Liouville–von Neumann equation is solved by means of effective Liouvillians, which are similar to the effective Hamiltonians used in quantum mechanics. Hierarchies of effective Liouvillians allow us to determine the long macroscopic time scales from short microscopic characteristic times. For that purpose, standard perturbation theory is used in the complex plane. Damped and oscillating irreversible decays of a fluctuation are described by means of a two‐dimensional matrix representation of the Liouvillian. Finally, we derive a kinetic equation for a simple model of a chemical reaction proceeding towards equilibrium. The model implies a transition state assimilated to a short‐lived resonance. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
Rapid characterization of high/low producer CHO cells using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight
Authors: Feng Hua‐tao , Wong Niki S. C. , Sim Lyn Chiin , Wati Lydia , Ho Yingswan , Lee May May
Published: March 2010

An intact‐cell mass spectrometry (ICM) method using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF) was evaluated for the screening of stable recombinant Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines, an important mammalian cell line in bioprocessing. With rapid and simple cell pretreatments, viabilities of cells could be rapidly distinguished on the different fingerprints of mass spectra. Detectable m/z values on cell surfaces and their relative intensities were processed by two biostatistical methods, principle components analysis (PCA) and partial least squares (PLS), with promising results. Discrimination among cell lines with different expressed recombinant proteins or different productivities could be achieved. The ICM method has the advantage of providing multiple parameters simultaneously and possesses the potential to become a powerful method for routine monitoring of bioprocesses. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved detection of reactive metabolites with a bromine‐containing glutathione analog using mass defect and isotope pattern matching
Authors: LeBlanc André , Shiao Tze Chieh , Roy René , Sleno Lekha
Published: March 2010

Drug bioactivation leading to the formation of reactive species capable of covalent binding to proteins represents an important cause of drug‐induced toxicity. Reactive metabolite detection usinginvitromicrosomal incubations is a crucial step in assessing potential toxicity of pharmaceutical compounds. The most common method for screening the formation of these unstable, electrophilic species is by trapping them with glutathione (GSH) followed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) analysis. The present work describes the use of a brominated analog of glutathione,N‐(2‐bromocarbobenzyloxy)‐GSH (GSH‐Br), for theinvitroscreening of reactive metabolites by LC/MS. This novel trapping agent was tested with four drug compounds known to form reactive metabolites, acetaminophen, fipexide, trimethoprim and clozapine.Invitrorat microsomal incubations were performed with GSH and GSH‐Br for each drug with subsequent analysis by liquid chromatography/high‐resolution mass spectrometry on an electrospray time‐of‐flight (ESI‐TOF) instrument. A generic LC/MS method was used for data acquisition, followed by drug‐specific processing of accurate mass data based on mass defect filtering and isotope pattern matching. GSH and GSH‐Br incubations were compared to control samples using differential analysis (Mass Profiler) software to identify adducts formed via the formation of reactive metabolites. In all four cases, GSH‐Br yielded improved results, with a decreased false positive rate, increased sensitivity and new adducts being identified in contrast to GSH alone. The combination of using this novel trapping agent with powerful processing routines for filtering accurate mass data and differential analysis represents a very reliable method for the identification of reactive metabolites formed in microsomal incubations. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Generation of QFT bounds for robust tracking specifications for plants with affinely dependent uncertainties
Authors: Yang Shih‐Feng
Published: March 2010

This paper presents an efficient algorithm for the generation of QFT bounds for robust tracking specifications for plants with affinely dependent uncertainties. For a plant withmaffinely dependent uncertainties, it is shown that whether a point in the Nichols chart lies in the QFT bound for a robust tracking specification at a given frequency can be easily tested by computing the maxima and minima ofm2m−1univariate functions corresponding to the edges of the parameter domain box. This test procedure is then utilized along with a pivoting procedure to trace out the boundary of the QFT bound with a prescribed accuracy or resolution. The developed algorithm has the advantages that (1) it is efficient in the sense that it requires less floating point operations than other existing algorithms in the literature; (2) it can avoid the unfavorable trade‐off between the computational burden and the accuracy of the computed QFT bounds that has arisen in the application of many existing QFT‐bound generation algorithms; (3) the maximum allowable error of the computed QFT bound can be prespecified; and (4) it can compute QFT bounds with multi‐valued boundaries. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the proposed algorithm and its computational superiority. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental validation and field performance metrics of a hybrid mobile robot mechanism
Authors: Ben‐Tzvi Pinhas
Published: March 2010

This paper presents the experimental validation and field testing of a novel hybrid mobile robot (HMR) system using a complete physical prototype. The mobile robot system consists of a hybrid mechanism whereby the locomotion platform and manipulator arm are designed as one entity to support both locomotion and manipulation symbiotically and interchangeably. The mechanical design is briefly described along with the related control hardware architecture based on an embedded onboard wireless communication network between the robot's subsystems, including distributed onboard power using Li‐ion batteries. The paper focuses on demonstrating through extensive experimental results the qualitative and quantitative field performance improvements of the mechanical design and how it significantly enhances mobile robot functionality in terms of the new operative locomotion and manipulation capabilities that it provides. In terms of traversing challenging obstacles, the robot was able to surmount cylindrical obstacles up to 0.6‐m diameter; cross ditches with at least 0.635‐m width; climb and descend step obstacles up to 0.7‐m height; and climb and descend stairs of different materials (wood, metal, concrete, plastic plaster, etc.), different stair riser and run sizes, and inclinations up to 60 deg. The robot also demonstrated the ability to manipulate objects up to 61 kg before and after flipping over, including pushing capacity of up to 61 kg when lifting objects from underneath. The above‐mentioned functions are critical in various challenging applications, such as search and rescue missions, military and police operations, and hazardous site inspections. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bond strength of Y‐TZP–zirconia ceramics subjected to various surface roughening methods and layering porcelain
Authors: Kim S. T. , Cho H. J. , Lee Y. K. , Choi S. H. , Moon H. S.
Published: March 2010

The interface between yttrium oxide partially stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline (Y‐TZP) core and veneering porcelain is the site of most clinical failures. Many efforts have focused on increasing the bond strength between Y‐TZP core and veneering porcelain, and such approaches include increasing the surface roughness and providing undercuts. However, each surface roughening method carries limitations. The specific aim of this study was to test the bond strengths of Y‐TZP subjected to different methods (sandblasting, fine polising, and rough polising) and of veneering porcelain. Presintered zirconia blocks with rectangular parallelepiped shape were prepared, and the surfaces were roughened with different methods before sintering. Shear strength of each zirconia–veneer interface was measured from 15 specimens. The surface at the fractured areas after shear test was investigated using an optical microscope. In conclusion, Y‐TZP subjected to sandblasting showed inferior shear strength compared to other groups. Cohesive fracture was observed in the sandblasting group; combination of cohesive and adhesive fracture was observed in the control, fine polishing, and rough polishing groups. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Energy loss function for Si determined from reflection electron energy loss spectra with factor analysis method
Authors: Jin Hua , Yoshikawa Hideki , Tanuma Shigeo , Tougaard Sven
Published: March 2010

The Si energy loss function (ELF) for energy loss ΔE less than 30 eV was obtained from experimental λ(E)K(ΔE) distributions using a factor analysis method. λ(E)K(ΔE), which are the products of the inelastic mean free path (IMFP) [λ(E)] and the differential inverse IMFPs or inelastic scattering cross sections [K(ΔE)], were obtained from angle‐resolved REELS at various primary beam energies with QUASES‐XS‐REELS software. The application of the factor analysis method to determine the ELF is described in detail. We performed factor analysis on the data matrix formed by λ(E)K(ΔE) spectra to separate surface‐ and bulk‐loss components. Finally, the ELF for Si was derived from extracted bulk‐loss component by an iterative calculation. The resulting ELF is in good agreement with the ELF from Palik's optical data. The suggested approach should be applicable as a general method to determine ELF from REELS. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
XPS/TEM characterisation of PtAu/C cathode electrocatalysts prepared by metal vapour synthesis
Authors: Vasil'kov A. Yu. , Naumkin A. V. , Volkov I. O. , Podshibikhin V. L. , Lisichkin G. V. , Khokhlov A. R.
Published: March 2010

Monometallic Pt/C, Au/C and bimetallic PtAu/C nanocomposites have been prepared by metal vapour synthesis using Vulcan XC‐72R carbon support. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to evaluate the structure and properties of the metallic nanoparticles. XPS data show the absence of any significant electron transfer in bimetallic PtAu/C system prepared by successive deposition of Au and Pt nanoparticles. The only evidence of PtAu interaction is the narrowing Au 4f peaks in PtAu/C catalyst in comparison with those of Au/C system. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TOF‐SIMS characterization of pigments and binders in ‘the Martyrdom of St. Catherine’, in Zejtun (Malta)
Authors: Tognazzi Antonio , Lapucci Roberta , Martini Silvia , Leone Gemma , Magnani Agnese , Rossi Claudio
Published: March 2010

The conservation of cultural heritage objects requires a profound knowledge of materials and technologies used for its production. In this field, the development of combined analytical approaches and the use of completely nondestructive and surface techniques are desirable. Moreover, surface techniques are well suited to study both the composition and the spatial organization of heterogeneous complex mixtures of organic and inorganic matter. In this field, the time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) is one of the most successfully applied techniques for the characterization of inorganic and organic components of a wide range of materials. In this paper, ToF‐SIMS was used to nondestructively analyze two microsamples of the The Martyrdom of Saint Catherine (a painting attributed to Francesco Cassarino, conserved in the church of Saint Catherine in Zejtun—Malta), showing an innovative approach for the characterization of pigments and binders in paintings. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Corrosion resistance of ZnNiP+Ni composite coatings
Authors: Kubisztal J. , Niedbała J. , Budniok A.
Published: March 2010

ZnNiP+Ni composite coatings were prepared by embedding nickel particles into ZnNiP alloy using ammonia solution in which Ni powder was suspended by stirring. Such coatings have been deposited on a 0H18N9 stainless steel substrate under galvanostatic conditions (j = −40 mA cm−2), and at a temperature of 293 K. In order to investigate corrosion properties of the as‐deposited and annealed (593 K for 2 h in argon atmosphere) ZnNiP+Ni composite coatings in 5% NaCl environment potentiodynamic technique and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used. It was stated that thermal treatment strongly improved the corrosion parameters of the examined ZnNiP+Ni composite coatings, and also that better corrosion properties result from i) improved corrosion properties of the oxide layer; and ii) the presence of new γNi5Zn21 phase in composite matrix. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Titanium surfaces structured with regular geometry—material investigations and cell morphology
Authors: Lange R. , Elter P. , Biala K. , Matschegewski C. , Stählke S. , Löffler R. , Fleischer M. , Nebe J. B. , Kern D. , Beck U.
Published: March 2010

Mathematical modeling of the cell–material contact demands a thorough characterization of both the material surface and the cellular reaction. In earlier investigations we used stochastic material surfaces for this purpose. Also, other groups working on the same or similar subject used such stochastically structured material surfaces. In continuation of this work we now use fine‐structured material surfaces with well‐defined regular geometry because a stepwise and systematic variation of the structural parameters of geometrically defined surfaces makes it easier to find the characteristic parameters for modeling the cell–material interface. To begin with, we used grooves with rectangular profiles and cubic pillars. The grooves were etched in silicon by dry etching and then were sputter coated with 100 nm titanium. Arrays of cubic photo resist pillars with vertical side walls in different dimensions were obtained by a photolithographic process and were also sputter coated with 100 nm titanium. The samples were characterized by SEM and electrochemical methods. Human osteoblastic cells MG‐63 (ATCC, LGC promochem, Manassas, USA) were cultured in Dulbecco's modified eagle medium with 10% fetal calf serum (FCS) at 37 °C and 5% CO2. MG‐63 cells grown on microstructures within 24 h were visualized by SEM. We observed that cells on the grooved surfaces grew along the grooves mainly adhering to the horizontal edges of the material surface, whereas on the pillar structures the cells lie on the top of the pillars and are well spread. But the direction of spreading on the pillars is also determined by the horizontal and vertical edges of the surface structure. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Contamination inspection on wafer with oxide or nitride film by using a vibrating contact potential difference probe
Authors: Yeh Ming‐Peng , Hong Chih‐Lun
Published: March 2010

Contamination inspection on the oxide and nitride films deposited on silicon wafer surface by using vibrating contact potential difference (CPD) probe is presented in this paper. Contaminants induce the variation of the CPD between a dielectric layer and the probe material. However, the screening effect of the charges on the surface, interface and in the dielectric layer overwhelms the contamination signals when using the vibrating CPD monitor. This obstacle can be overcome using the signal characteristic diagnosis by which most of the charge signals can be filtered out. The validity of this approach was verified by means of the vapor phase decomposition coupling with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (VPD‐ICP‐MS), and we found that the filtrated contamination signals were correlated closely with the metallic concentration. Moreover, the proper annealing process could enhance the response signals of contaminants, especially for Ni and Cu, in the nitride film monitoring. This inspection method was effectively applied in the trace metallic contamination routine monitor and the contamination source tracing of the furnace tools. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pt2 + , 4+ ions in CeO2 rf‐sputtered thin films
Authors: Matolín V. , Khalakhan I. , Matolínová I. , Václavů M. , Veltruská K. , Vorokhta M.
Published: March 2010

The interaction of Pt with CeO2 in Pt‐doped cerium oxide layers deposited on a Si wafer at normal and grazing incidence, and on multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), was investigated by using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). 30‐nm‐thick Pt‐doped CeO2 layers were deposited by rf‐magnetron sputtering of a composite CeO2–Pt target. XPS showed formation of cerium oxide with completely ionized species Pt2 + , 4+ embedded in the film. The Pt2+/Pt4+ ratio depends on the deposition angle and increases in the case of the film deposition on the MWCNTs. This behavior was explained by the dependence of the polycrystalline film grain morphology on a deposition angle. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Monte Carlo simulation study on the image resolution in scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Mao S. F. , Ding Z. J.
Published: March 2010

The resolution of the scanning electron microscope limited by the beam–sample interaction is studied by Monte Carlo simulation. The simulation model is based on the full Penn algorithm for electron inelastic scattering and the associated secondary electron generation as well as on a constructive solid geometry modeling of a complex sample structure. The line‐scan profiles for gold nanoparticles of different diameters on a carbon substrate are obtained in the simulation. The gap method and contrast‐to‐gradient (C–G) method performed for two separated particles of the same size and different sizes are considered to determine the resolution. Both methods are applied to the simulated images. A comparison on the obtained resolutions performed for the different sample topographies shows that the gap resolution depends excessively on the topography by the shading effect and gap method underestimates the influence of probe size, while C–G method overestimates this influence. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metallic photocathodes prepared by pulsed laser ablation deposition for application to bright electron sources
Authors: Liu B. Y. , Perrone A.
Published: March 2010

We present the results of our investigation on metallic films as suitable photocathodes for the production of intense electron beams in radio frequency (RF) photoinjector guns. Pulsed laser ablation deposition (PLAD) technique was used for growing Mg and Y thin films onto Si and Cu substrates in high vacuum of 10−5Pa and at room temperature. The morphology, the structure, the thickness and the contamination level of thin films surface deposited on Si were deduced by using different diagnostic techniques. Thin films deposited on Cu have been tested as photocathodes in an ultrahigh vacuum photodiode chamber at 10−7Pa. Relatively high‐quantum efficiencies have been obtained for the deposited films, comparable to those of corresponding bulks. Samples could stay for several months in open air before being tested in a photodiode cell.

The deposition process and the role of the gas absorption on the photocathode surface and its influence on the photoelectron performances are also presented and discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diagnosis and management of squamous‐cell vulval carcinoma
Authors: Palmer Julia E. , Gillespie Alan M.
Published: March 2010

Vulval cancer remains a rare disease in spite of a recent increased incidence, particularly in younger women. Diagnosing the condition therefore is problematic as it is uncommonly seen, especially in the primary care setting. An understanding of the importance of monitoring precursor lesions and recognising the signs and symptoms of significant vulval disease is important in order to recognise vulval cancer early and enable referral for radical treatments when appropriate. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Interface Ltd
Observing and modeling changes in the Atlantic MOC
Authors: Cunningham Stuart A. , Marsh Robert
Published: March 2010

The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (MOC) is defined, and our present understanding of MOC driving mechanisms is summarized. Evidence for the changing MOC is reviewed, covering recent developments in observing and modeling the MOC, and the climatic consequences of MOC variability. On a timescale of the next 5‐10 years, further developments in MOC monitoring, modeling and prediction are both anticipated and recommended. In the context of what is presently known about the MOC, the evidence for a recent slowing trend is considered. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

This article is categorized under:

Paleoclimates and Current Trends > Paleoclimate
Numerical simulation of the casting process of a wind turbine rotor hub
Authors: Yeh Chun‐Ping , Hwang Weng‐Sing
Published: March 2010

An integrated numerical model was applied to simulate the mold filling and solidification process as well as predict the occurrence of relative casting defects for a rotor hub casting. The goal was to conduct a numerical experimentation to obtain an optimal alloy design of ductile cast iron for the rotor hub casting. A computer‐aided engineering software based on the finite element method was employed in this study. Numerical simulations were conducted for the rotor hub casting with two different types of alloy composition for ductile cast iron. The mold filling and solidification process were examined to predict the occurrence and extent of casting defects and a better alloy design was then proposed based on the simulated results to alleviate casting defects of the rotor hub casting. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proton µ‐PIXE mapping, AFM imaging and size statistics of mineral granules in a dental composite
Authors: Preoteasa Eugen A. , Preoteasa Elena , Harangus Livia , Moldovan Antoniu , Dinescu Maria , Grambole Dieter , Herrmann Folker
Published: March 2010

We applied proton microbeam particle‐induced X‐ray emission (µ‐PIXE) for mapping Ca, Zr, Ba and Yb, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) for imaging the surface landscape of a dental composite which releases Ca2+ and F− for the protection of hard dental tissues. Three areas ∼250 × 250 µm2 located ∼0.5–2 mm apart on a smooth surface specimen were mapped with 3.1 MeV protons focused to a ∼3.0 µm spot and at ∼3.9 µm pixel size sampling. The maps evidenced particles with diameters of 3.2–32 µm (Ca), 20–60 µm (Zr), ≤ 4 µm (Ba) and 10–50 µm (Yb). Cross‐section area histograms of Ca‐rich particles fitted with 2–6 Poisson functions revealed a polydisperse size distribution and substantial differences from an area to another, possibly implying large local variations of Ca2+ released in the hard tissue near a dental filling of a few millimeters in diameter. Such imbalances may lead to low local Ca2+ protection of the dental tissue, favoring the onset of secondary caries. Similarly, AFM images showed high zone‐dependent differences in the distributions of grains with apparent diameters of 1–4 µm, plausibly recognized as Ca‐ and Ba‐containing particles. In a simple model based on demineralization data, lateral diffusion of Ca2+ between adjacent domains containing high‐ and low‐area Ca‐rich grains is described by exponential concentration gradients. These gradients may generate appreciable electromotive forces, which may enhance electrochemically the local tissue demineralization. Similar effects are to be expected in the protective action of F− ions released from microgranules of YbF3 and of Ba fluoroaluminosilicate glass. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Revitalisierung von brachgefallenen Hafen- und Uferzonen
Authors: Schubert Dirk
Published: March 2010

In many ports, dockland areas close to the city centre have become available for urban redevelopment. This article discusses the transformation processes taking place in dockland and riverside zones within the context of the current discourse on urban-development policy; it also describes the renaissance and the transformation in the image of such zones. The author outlines the experience of the changes of use which these areas have undergone, the reasons that led to such sites becoming derelict, and the regeneration process; he also summarises the current state of academic analysis of the subject. Proceeding from a broad-based explanatory approach, the article sets out five phases of the transformation process affecting the relations between city and dockland, concluding with a brief restatement of the importance, the opportunities, problems and risks posed by the redevelopment of dockland and riverside areas.
Risiken, Vulnerabilität und Anpassungserfordernisse für klimaverletzliche Regionen
Authors: Stock Manfred , P. Kropp Jürgen , Walkenhorst Oliver
Published: March 2010

Regional scenarios of climate change are used to evaluate impacts and risks using vulnerability assessments. The scenarios should not be seen as weather type forecasts, but as tools to analyze alternative future perspectives and their consequences. The role of climate scenarios together with additional factors for the assessment of regional vulnerability and adaptability are described. Given examples with references to spatial planning are water resource management, river floods, coastal protection, agriculture and forestry as well as nature protection and landscape conservation.
Anpassungsstrategien der Raumentwicklung an den Klimawandel: „Climate Proofing” — Konturen eines neuen Instruments
Authors: Birkmann Jörn , Fleischhauer Mark
Published: March 2010

Climate change means new challenges for spatial planning, plans and programmes and spatial development activities as well. How can climate change impacts and adaptation strategies be assessed and integrated into plans and programmes already today? A buzzword that appears in the latest discussions and concepts is the idea of “climate proofing” that aims at adapting plans and programmes to the future impacts of a changing climate. However, what does “climate proofing” exactly mean? Apart from an analysis of existing concepts for adaptation and climate proofing this article presents a conceptual framework on how the idea of climate proofing can be specifically developed and how it differs from existing impact assessments (e.g. EIA/SEA). The overall question is which contents and conceptual key points shall be featured by a climate proofing approach for the adaptation of spatial development to climate change.
Grundzüge einer konstruktivistischen Landschaftstheorie und ihre Konsequenzen für die räumliche Planung
Authors: Kühne Olaf
Published: March 2010

The paper is based on the social constructivist landscape theory. In this setting, landscape is not constituted as a physical object but as a social construct that uses physical objects. Consequently, landscape can be described as a hybrid based on individual and social conceptions which includes also physical objects. Another dimension of the hybrid is the fact that landscape has cultural references as well as natural ones. Concerning the practice with landscape in the spatial planning these remarks imply that landscape could not reduced to its physical objects. It rather should be thought also as a social and individual construct. In this context has to be considered that landscape is barely able to be planned because it is usually an unintended side-effect of social development. Furthermore the integration of the needs of minors in power concerning the practice with landscape is demanded.
Laparoscopic Exploration of the Common Bile Duct with a Rigid Scope in Patients with Problematic Choledocholithiasis
Authors: Tekin Ahmet , Ogetman Zekai
Published: March 2010

Background

The development of laparoscopic cholecystectomy as a minimally invasive approach to eliminate gallstones, in conjunction with increasingly sophisticated techniques for removal of common bile duct (CBD) stones by endoscopic sphincterotomy, has revolutionized the treatment of choledocholithiasis. We describe a new technical approach to laparoscopic exploration of the CBD after unsuccessful endoscopic stone extraction.

Methods

Eleven patients were subjected to laparoscopic exploration of the CBD with choledochotomy using a rigid scope (24‐Fr nephroscope) during the last 2 years. Of these patients, 10 had unsuccessful preoperative (7 cases) or intraoperative (3 cases) stone extraction, and 1 case had a single impacted stone 2.3 cm in diameter. Five patients had a single bile duct stone and 6 patients had multiple stones. The size of the stones ranged from 9.5 to 24 mm (mean = 12.6 ± 4 mm).

Results

Balloon dilation of the papilla of Vater was done in all patients. Most of the stones were fractured and pushed into the duodenum with rigid grasping forceps but a lithotripter was required in 2 patients. Stone clearance was 100%; complications related to the procedure were not observed. After CBD clearance, primary closure of the choledochotomy was achieved in 10 patients. In 1 patient who had CBD perforation during a previous procedure, choledochotomy was closed over a T‐tube. The mean operative time was 124 ± 26.7 min (range = 84–165 min) and the mean postoperative hospital stay was 4 ± 1.7 days (range = 3–7 days).

Conclusions

Laparoscopic exploration of the CBD with a rigid scope is an efficacious procedure in dealing with unsuccessful endoscopic stone extraction.
Partial Breast Reconstruction for an Inferomedial Breast Carcinoma Using an Omental Flap
Authors: Zaha Hisamitsu , Sunagawa Hiroki , Kawakami Kouji , Touyama Tetsuo , Yonaha Toshimi , Ohshiro Naoto
Published: March 2010

Background

Various oncoplastic techniques are used for partial reconstruction after breast‐conserving surgery (BCS), but treatment of an inferomedial breast carcinoma (IMBC) can be difficult, especially in a small breast. We review our experience with immediate partial breast reconstruction after BCS for an IMBC using a laparoscopically harvested omental flap (OF).

Methods

The subjects were 24 patients with an IMBC who underwent immediate partial breast reconstruction with the OF between April 2002 and June 2009. A wide excision (>20% of the breast tissue) was performed through a skin incision along the medial inframammary fold. The pedicled OF was harvested laparoscopically and used to fill the dead space in the inferomedial quadrant.

Results

The mean follow‐up period was 35 months. The mean tumor size was 3.2 cm. The mean volume of resected breast tissue was 180 g and the mean extent of resection was 40%. The complication rate was 12.5% and all were minor and treated conservatively. Laparoscopy‐associated complications did not occur, except for one minor injury of the gastroepiploic artery. The surgical margin was positive in only 1 patient (4.2%) and neither local nor systemic recurrence has occurred to date in any patients. Cosmetic outcomes were mostly satisfactory, with minimal donor‐site scars in the abdominal wall. Cosmetic failure occurred in 1 patient (4.2%) due to an inadequate OF volume.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic harvesting of the OF is a safe procedure with minimal donor‐site morbidities and deformities. This approach is an option for immediate partial reconstruction after BCS for an IMBC.