bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protein networking: insights into global functional organization of proteomes
Authors: Pieroni Enrico , de la Fuente van Bentem Sergio , Mancosu Gianmaria , Capobianco Enrico , Hirt Heribert , de la Fuente Alberto
Published: February 2008

The formulation of network models from global protein studies is essential to understand the functioning of organisms. Network models of the proteome enable the application of Complex Network Analysis, a quantitative framework to investigate large complex networks using techniques from graph theory, statistical physics, dynamical systems and other fields. This approach has provided many insights into the functional organization of the proteome so far and will likely continue to do so. Currently, several network concepts have emerged in the field of proteomics. It is important to highlight the differences between these concepts, since different representations allow different insights into functional organization. One such concept is the protein interaction network, which contains proteins as nodes and undirected edges representing the occurrence of binding in large‐scale protein‐protein interaction studies. A second concept is the protein‐signaling network, in which the nodes correspond to levels of post‐translationally modified forms of proteins and directed edges to causal effects through post‐translational modification, such as phosphorylation. Several other network concepts were introduced for proteomics. Although all formulated as networks, the concepts represent widely different physical systems. Therefore caution should be taken when applying relevant topological analysis. We review recent literature formulating and analyzing such networks.
Adaptive expression of foreign genes in the clonal variants of bacteria: From proteomics to clinical application
Authors: Sriramulu Dinesh D.
Published: February 2008

Clonal variants of bacteria are able to colonize environmental niches and patients. The factors, that determine the interplay between the colonization of diverse habitats and adaptation, are acquired through horizontal gene transfer. Elucidation of mechanisms, which lead to the prevalence of dominant bacterial clones in patients and the environment, requires the knowledge of complex phenotypes. It was found in the genomes of most bacteria, that upon a conserved chromosomal backbone there were regions of plasticity achieved by insertions, deletions and rearrangements of genomic islands and islets as well as large chromosomal inversions. However, it had been shown that environmental and clinical isolates are indistinguishable in certain pathogenic and biodegradative properties. For example, clonal variants of Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibit convergent phenotypes despite the presence of numerous DNA insertions in the genome. Apart from this feature, expression of a few genes from the acquired genetic material is important for niche‐based adaptation of this organism. Protein expression patterns at the cellular and sub‐cellular levels showed common virulence factors and novel drug targets among clonal variants of bacteria. This review will give a short overview on proteomics of different clonal variants of bacteria with respect to clinical applications.
Synthesis and crosslinking behavior of a novel linear polymer bearing 1,2,3‐triazol and benzoxazine groups in the main chain by a step‐growth click‐coupling reaction
Authors: Nagai Atsushi , Kamei Yasutaka , Wang Xiao‐Shui , Omura Masaki , Sudo Atsushi , Nishida Haruo , Kawamoto Eiichi , Endo Takeshi
Published: February 2008

The click‐coupling reaction was applied to polycondensation, to synthesize a high‐molecular weight prepolymer having benzoxazine moieties in the main chain. For the polycondensation, a bifunctional N‐propargyl benzoxazine was synthesized from bisphenol A, propargylamine, and formaldehyde. The propargyl group was efficiently used for the copper(I)‐catalyzed alkyne‐azide “click” reaction with p‐xylene‐α,α′‐diazide, to give the corresponding linear polycondensate having 1,2,3‐triazole junctions. The polycondensation proceeded in N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) at room temperature. By this highly efficient “click‐” polycondensation reaction, the benzoxazine ring in the monomer was successfully introduced into the polymer main chain without any side reaction. The obtained polymer (=prepolymer) underwent thermal crosslinking to afford the corresponding product, which was insoluble in a wide range of organic solvents and exhibited higher thermal stability than the polymer before crosslinking. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 2316–2325, 2008
Facile fabrication of hybrid nanoparticles surface grafted with multi‐responsive polymer brushes via block copolymer micellization and self‐catalyzed core gelation
Authors: Zhang Yanfeng , Gu Weiyin , Xu Hangxun , Liu Shiyong
Published: February 2008

Poly(2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)‐b‐poly(γ‐methacryloxypropyl‐trimethoxysilane) (PDMA‐b‐PMPS) was synthesized via consecutive reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerizations in 1,4‐dioxane. Subsequent micellization of the obtained amphiphilic diblock polymer in aqueous solution led to the formation of nanoparticles consisting of hydrophobic PMPS cores and well‐solvated PDMA shells. Containing tertiary amine residues, PDMA blocks in micelle coronas can spontaneously catalyze the sol–gel reactions of trimethoxysilyl groups within PMPS cores, leading to the formation of hybrid nanoparticles coated with PDMA brushes. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and laser light scattering (LLS) revealed the presence of monodisperse spherical hybrid nanoparticles, and the grafting density of PDMA chains at the surface of nanoparticle cores was estimated to be ∼5.8 nm2/chain. PDMA brushes exhibit dual stimuli‐responsiveness, and the swelling/collapse of them can be finely tuned with solution pH and temperatures. The obtained multi‐responsive hybrid nanoparticles might find potential applications in fields such as smart devices, recyclable catalysts, and intelligent nanocarriers for drug delivery or gene transfection. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 2379–2389, 2008
Tadpole‐shaped amphiphilic copolymers prepared via RAFT polymerization and click reaction
Authors: Shi Gang‐Yin , Tang Xue‐Zhi , Pan Cai‐Yuan
Published: February 2008

The tadpole‐shaped amphiphilic copolymers with cyclic polystyrene as the head and a linear poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) as the tail have been successfully synthesized by combination of reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization and “click” reaction. The synthesis involves two main steps: (1) preparation of a linear acetylene‐terminated PNIPAAM‐b‐PS with a side azido group anchored at the junction between two blocks; (2) intramolecular cyclization reaction to produce the cyclic PS block using “click” chemistry under high dilution. The structures, molecular weights, and molecular weight distributions of the resulted intermediates and the target polymers were characterized by their 1H NMR, FTIR, and gel permeation chromatography. The difference of surface property between tadpole‐shaped polymer and its linear precursor was observed, and the water contact angles on the former surface are larger than that of the latter surface. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 2390–2401, 2008
Energetic polymer salts from 1‐vinyl‐1,2,4‐triazole derivatives
Authors: Xue Hong , Gao Haixiang , Shreeve Jean'ne M.
Published: February 2008

Energetic polymers salts from 1‐vinyl‐1,2,4‐triazole derivatives have been synthesized via free radical polymerization of 1‐vinyl‐1,2,4‐triazolium monomer salts or by protonation of poly(1‐vinyl‐1,2,4‐triazole) with inorganic or organic acids. Standard enthalpies of formation of the new monomer salts were calculated using the computationally feasible DFT(B3LYP) and MP2 methods in conjunction with an empirical approach based on densities of salts. Compared with the monomer salts, the polymer salts have good thermal properties with high densities > 1.5 g cm−3. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 2414–2421, 2008
Synthesis and characterization of fluorescently labeled core cross‐linked star polymers
Authors: Spiniello Marisa , Blencowe Anton , Qiao Greg G.
Published: February 2008

A series of fluorescently labeled core cross‐linked star (CCS) polymers were synthesized via the “arm‐first” approach, employing atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) to control the resulting architecture. The initiator p‐toluenesulfonyl chloride (TsCl) was used to synthesize “living” poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) macroinitiator, which was subsequently cross‐linked to generate the CCS polymers. Divinylbenzene (DVB) was used as the cross‐linker and 7‐[4‐(trifluoromethyl)coumarin] methacrylamide (F1, λex = 343 nm) was added as a fluorescent labeling monomer. A range of PMMA/DVB/F1 based CCS polymers were synthesized with the core domain made selectively fluorescent by using varying amounts of monomer F1. The core functionalized stars were characterized using gel permeation chromatography (GPC) equipped with multi‐angle laser light scattering (MALLS), refractive index (RI), and UV–visible detectors. The fluorescence quantum yield (ΦF) and the amount of fluorescent monomer incorporated into the core were quantified by UV–visible and fluorescence spectrophotometry. It was recognized that the overall molecular weights of the stars produced, along with their core molecular weight, decreased as the mol % of monomer F1 was increased relative to cross‐linker. Visual confirmation of F1 incorporation was obtained by fluorescence microscopy of thin polymer films cast on glass substrates. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 2422–2432, 2008
Creating microenvironments using encapsulated polymers
Authors: Kobašlija Muris , Bogdan Andrew R. , Poe Sarah L. , Escobedo Fernando , Mcquade D. Tyler
Published: February 2008

Miscible solvents are phase separated within microcapsules containing entrapped polymers, thereby creating stable, isolated microenvironments. In particular, we demonstrate that encapsulated polyethyleneimine induces phase separation of toluene and methanol and that this phase separation is well modeled by the Flory‐Huggins theory. We further show the generality of microenvironment formation by phase separating tetrahydrofuran and acetone with entrapped polystyrene. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 2309–2315, 2008
Morphological changes of BTDA/m‐PDA polyimide banded spherulites: The effect of solvent on banding
Authors: Zhang Ruibin , Liu Xiangyang , Gu Yi
Published: February 2008

BTDA/m‐PDA polyimide banded spherulites with different band spacing were observed in the same sandwiched film. Atom force microscopy (AFM) analysis suggested that the banded structure was caused by periodic twisting of radial grown lamella bundles. Based on polarizing light microscopy (PLM) and AFM observation, it was found that spherulites grown near the center of the film exhibited bigger band spacing and consisted of wider lamellae compared with those grown near the fringe, which was suggested to be caused by different solvent amount during imidization and crystallization: the more solvent existed, the wider the lamella would grow and the bigger the band spacing would be. It was further proved by changing the film thickness and PAA solution concentration. SEM observation showed that when crystallized in the solution, the lamella became ultra thick and straight, and formed small particles. Powder X‐ray diffraction revealed that crystal structures of the banded spherulite and the small particle were identical or at least very similar. Another solvent with lower boiling point was used in sample preparation, however, under the same preparation conditions, the grown features of banded spherulites did not change. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 659–667, 2008
Dielectric layers for organic field effect transistors as gate dielectric and surface passivation
Authors: Diekmann T. , Pannemann C. , Hilleringmann U.
Published: February 2008

Organic field effect transistors with the organic semiconductor pentacene, using silicon substrates, were successfully built on conventional inorganic dielectrics like silicon dioxide or silicon nitride. They can drive drain currents up to 15 mA. Beyond that, polymer films were investigated as gate dielectrics in order to achieve transistors on plastic films. On polyester substrates with an inorganic–organic gate dielectric, devices reach drain currents comparable to transistors on silicon dioxide and charge carrier mobilities of up to 0.35 cm2/V s. Analysis of the pentacene surface by atomic force microscopy showed pentacene crystallites achieving dimensions of more than 1.5 µm. The unprotected organic devices suffer from degradation due to water and oxygen incorporation. Therefore, the application of a hydrophobic polytetrafluoroethylene layer as capping layer is studied. Because of the reduced influence of water, a shift to positive threshold voltages is caused. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Assembly, structure, and performance of an ultra‐thin film organic field‐effect transistor (OFET) based on substituted oligothiophenes
Authors: Haubner K. , Jaehne E. , Adler H.‐J. P. , Koehler D. , Loppacher C. , Eng L. M. , Grenzer J. , Herasimovich A. , Scheinert S.
Published: February 2008

We report on the improved assembly and characterization of a small molecule organic field‐effect transistor (OFET). Novel α,ω‐dicyano substituted β,β′‐dibutylquaterthiophene molecules (DCNDBQT) were synthesized and characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermal gravimetric analysis and cyclic voltammetry. The ultra‐thin organic film formation on TiO2 templates was effectively promoted through the specifically designed bifunctional self assembly molecules (SAM) 5‐cyano‐2‐(butyl‐4‐phosphonic acid)‐3‐butylthiophene (CNBTPA). Excellent structural properties were found for up to 9 DCNDBQT molecule thick films prepared through UHV vacuum sublimation as investigated with UHV non‐contact atomic force microscopy (nc‐AFM) and X‐ray diffraction. Both X‐ray and nc‐AFM data indicate that the DCNDBQT molecules form a well‐ordered terraced structure exhibiting step heights of 1.5 nm to 2.0 nm layers. Hence, the DCNDBQTmolecules are linked to the functional SAM interface layer by H‐bond interactions (see structure model) standing quasi perpendicular to the TiO2 template, and thus providing optimal orbital overlap neigh‐bouring thiophene rings.

The vacuum sublimated DCNDBQT molecules form a closed packed and dense molecular layer that was used to construct and operate a nanoscopic OFET‐structure. The resulting field mobilities of 10–5 cm2 V–1 s–1 reflect a high current density in our ultrathin but highly ordered structure. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Microscopic and spectroscopic characterization of interfaces and dielectric layers for OFET devices
Authors: Müller K. , Burkov Y. , Mandal D. , Henkel K. , Paloumpa I. , Goryachko A. , Schmeißer D.
Published: February 2008

The functionality of organic devices is strongly influenced by their interfaces. We report on new microscopic methods for interface characterization of organic devices in operation mode. With photoemission electron microscopy (PEEM), a direct mapping of charge carrier density is possible. Microscopy in the scanning Kelvin force mode (SKPM) gives information about the local surface potential. In addition to lateral information, depth profiling of interface chemistry is important. As an example, we present a study of the electrode/dielectric layer interface, performed using photoelectron spectroscopy. This interface is of technological relevance for organic memories, based on organic field effect transistors (OFETs). The dielectric part is made of ferroelectric polymers like poly(vinylidene fluoride‐trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF‐TrFE)). We compare aluminium/P(VDF‐TrFE) and PEDOT:PSS/P(VDF‐TrFE) interfaces (PEDOT:PSS is the conductive polymer poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrenesulphonate). Finally we present memory elements consisting of metal ferroelectric insulator semiconductor (MFIS) and OFET structures. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Scaling limits and MHz operation in thiophene‐based field‐effect transistors
Authors: Hoppe A. , Balster T. , Muck T. , Wagner V.
Published: February 2008

To achieve high performance organic field effect transistors (OFETs) with enhanced currents, high switching speeds and improved integration density the channel length L is downscaled to the sub‐micrometer regime. The influence of important scaling parameters on the electrical performance of bottom contact devices is analyzed. High‐mobility oligo‐ and polythiophenes were used as semiconductor, which combine the advantages of highly ordered growth with processibility from solution. Devices with optimized parameters exhibit high switching frequencies beyond 2 MHz. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Fundamental interface properties in OFETs: Bonding, structure and function of molecular adsorbate layers on solid surfaces
Authors: Soubatch S. , Temirov R. , Tautz F. S.
Published: February 2008

The functionality of organic field effect transistors resides in their interfaces. Highly ordered molecular adsorbate layers provide an excellent tool to study the relevant physical properties of these interfaces. In this article we focus on molecules at the organic/metal interface. We find that their geometry and electronic structure are very responsive to influences from the substrate and the molecular environment, while interface structures evolve cooperatively in the sway of interfacial and intermolecular interactions and can thus be extremely complex. Although our results cannot be transferred directly to real devices, a number of intriguing physical effects emerge that could play an important role in (nanoscale) OFETs, e.g. an anomalously strong energy band dispersion at the organic/metal interface, a remarkable plasticity of the electronic structure of molecules in ultra‐thin films, and Kondo physics in a non‐magnetic molecular wire. Finally, we report the realization of a mechanically gated single‐molecule transistor that allows investigating the transport physics in a molecular wire as a function of contact properties. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Liquid chromatography/triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry with multiple reaction monitoring for optimal selection of transitions to evaluate nutraceuticals from olive‐tree materials
Authors: Luján Rafael Japón , Capote Feliciano Priego , Marinas Alberto , de Castro María Dolores Luque
Published: February 2008

Optimal transitions have been selected for the identification and quantitation of the most interesting hydrophilic biophenols in extracts from olive‐tree materials, which are of interest because of their nutraceutical properties. The tested materials were extra virgin olive oil, waste from oil production (known as alperujo), and olive‐tree materials such as leaves, small branches and fruit stones. The identification and determination steps of the target biophenols are based on liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) with a triple quadrupole (QQQ) mass detector. The interface between the chromatograph and the QQQ was an electrospray ionization source operated in the negative ion mode. Highly selective identification of the biophenols was confirmed by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) using the most representative transitions from the precursor ion to the different product ions. Quantitative MS/MS analysis was carried out by optimization and selection of the most sensitive transition for each analyte, which resulted in estimated detection limits of 5.10 to 11.65 ng/mL for the extracts. The biophenols were extracted from the tested samples by different methods: liquid‐liquid extraction for virgin olive oil, microwave‐assisted leaching for olive leaves, branches and stones, and pressurized liquid leaching for alperujo. This study provides valuable information about the most suitable source for the isolation of each nutraceutical biophenol and enables us to obtain a complete profile of them in Olea Europaea. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface modification of a guided tissue regeneration membrane using tetracycline‐containing biodegradable polymers
Authors: Lee Sang‐Bae , Lee Doug‐Youn , Lee Yong‐Keun , Kim Kyoung‐Nam , Choi Seong‐Ho , Kim Kwang‐Mahn
Published: February 2008

There are several considerations when choosing a barrier membrane for use with guided tissue regeneration (GTR) to treat periodontal diseases: biocompatibility, cell‐occlusiveness, space‐maintaining ability, tissue integration, and clinical manageability can all affect success. Our laboratory developed drug‐releasing and space‐maintaining membranes for use with GTR to provide effective periodontal therapy. Tetracycline is used in periodontal therapy because of its antibacterial activity and because it enhances tissue regeneration by increasing osteoblast and anticollagenolytic activity. Here, tetracycline‐containing solutions of the polymers poly(L‐lactide), poly(L‐lactide‐co‐glycolide), and poly(glycolide‐co‐caprolactone) were used to coat collagen sponges using a spray‐coating technique. The surface structure and morphology of the prepared membranes were characterized and the drug release, antibacterial effect, and mechanical properties were evaluated. All membranes comprised double layers: a dense coated layer and a collagen layer. The collagen layer had a porous surface and interconnected pores. In contrast, the coated layer was a thin film without pores and had a low concentration of polymer. This biodegradable, polymer‐coated collagen membrane retained its drug release properties as well as antibacterial effect and had better mechanical integrity than uncoated collagen sponge. Taken together, these results suggest that tetracycline‐loaded membranes might enhance GTR efficacy. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance of serial acquirers: toward an acquisition program perspective
Authors: Laamanen Tomi , Keil Thomas
Published: February 2008

Based on an analysis of the most active acquirers in seven industry sectors in the United States in the 1990s, we find that both a high rate of acquisitions and a high variability of the rate are negatively related to performance. An acquirer's size, the scope of its acquisition program, and acquisition experience moderate the relationship by weakening the negative effects. Our findings contribute to an improved understanding of acquisition capabilities and program‐level acquisition performance, thereby adding to an emerging stream of research that is building an acquisition program perspective. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The option‐creating institution: a real options perspective on economic organization
Authors: Scherpereel Christopher M.
Published: February 2008

This paper proposes a dynamic framework of economic organization called the option‐creating institution (OCI) model. The claim is made that firm, market, and hybrid governance structures emerge from the need for flexibility in an uncertain world. Each governance structure uniquely provides strategic real options that allow capitalist‐entrepreneurs, with unique risk preferences, to better organize their economic activities. The real options perspective on economic organization is developed by drawing insights from the exchange and coordination perspectives. It is proposed that this real options perspective matches practicing decision makers' intuition and that an inductive OCI model will offer a prescriptive guide. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of governance modes and relatedness of external business development activities on innovative performance
Authors: Keil Thomas , Maula Markku , Schildt Henri , Zahra Shaker A.
Published: February 2008

This study examines how different governance modes for external business development activities and venture relatedness affect a firm's innovative performance. Building on research suggesting that interorganizational relationships enhance the innovative performance of firms, we propose that governance modes and venture relatedness interact in their effect on innovative performance. Analyzing a panel of the largest firms in four information and communication technology sectors, we find that degree of relatedness for corporate venture capital investments, alliances, joint ventures, and acquisitions influences their impact on innovative performance. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does technological modularity substitute for control? A study of alliance performance in software outsourcing
Authors: Tiwana Amrit
Published: February 2008

Although control is presumed to be necessary to curb opportunism, its implementation in alliances can be costly and challenging. Paradoxically, some contemporary firms have counterintuitively developed successful alliances without extensive formal control. A widespread but untested assertion that might help reconcile this contradiction is that technological modularity reduces the need for alliance control. The objective of this study is to develop and test this assertion. Using data from 120 software outsourcing alliances, we show that, process control, outcome control, and modularity independently enhance alliance performance. However modularity and control are imperfect substitutes: modularity lowers the influence of process control but not of outcome control on alliance performance. Our theoretical development and empirical testing of the interactions of alliance control with modularity has significant implications for strategy theory and practice, which are also discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Firm performance: the interactions of corporate social performance with innovation and industry differentiation
Authors: Hull Clyde Eiríkur , Rothenberg Sandra
Published: February 2008

The impact of corporate social performance on firm financial performance has been examined previously with mixed results. This study examines the possibility that corporate social performance enhances financial performance by allowing the firm to differentiate, and that this effect may be moderated both by innovation, which also drives firm differentiation, and the level of differentiation in the industry. Hypotheses concerning both direct and moderating effects are developed and tested using secondary data. Our results support both innovation and the level of differentiation in the industry as moderators for a positive relationship between corporate social performance and financial performance: corporate social performance most strongly affects performance in low‐innovation firms and in industries with little differentiation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Energy Conservation Technologies and Expectation in Japan
Authors: Kudo Hiroyuki
Published: February 2008

Energy conservation technologies are primary measures against the global environmental issues. Since ‘Oil Shock’ in the middle of 1970s, Japanese industries have endeavored to increase energy efficiency that has resulted in a decrease in the production cost. This article describes the transition of energy consumption in Japan, outline of the energy conservation laws, and energy conservation technology developments for the industrial sector, for the commercial/residential sector, and the transportation sector. Five development themes on energy conservation of the national technological strategies are designated to be promoted by the year 2030. As one of the designated topics in the commercial sector, some development results of a national project on HEMS (Home Energy Management System) are described. Detail technologies in major fields are shown in the following papers. Copyright © 2008 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Technologies for Energy Saving in Industrial Field
Authors: Nakatani Fumio
Published: February 2008

This paper summarizes practical and developed techniques and technologies for energy saving in the industrial field. Newly developed high‐efficiency electrical equipment or combined technologies, which are about ‘power electronics’, ‘microcomputers’ and ‘motion control’ in addition to the progress of sensing devices and monitoring systems, bring both energy saving and high productivity in the factory. The technology trend of new factory facilities is concerned about changing power sources from pneumatic (compressed air) or hydraulic power (oil system) to electrical direct‐driven servomotor systems, which have the technical characteristics of fine‐grained and regenerative control. These technologies are able to reduce and recover idling (standby) power consumption during the holding period at the production stage in the factory.

The items in this paper were published as Technical Report No. 988 in January 11, 2004 by IEEJ, and that report is reviewed and updated in this paper. Copyright © 2008 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Development of an Autonomous Mobile Robot with Several Sensors using Neuro‐Fuzzy Control Based on Server/Client Model
Authors: Ohchi Masashi , Furukawa Tatsuya , Tokushima Hisao , Sasaki Shinichi
Published: February 2008

The purpose of this paper is to detail the development of an autonomous mobile robot and a control support system. The robot has five infrared sensors and three ultrasonic sensors to enable it to follow a ‘ guide person’ with an infrared ray transmitter. The robot will follow the infrared rays emitted by a transmitter with the guide person, and move to the destination. The control system has been developed by the network technology based on server/client model. The advanced control strategy for the autonomous mobile robot is carried out with a high‐speed host server computer connected through the TCP/IP network. Therefore, it is enough for the CPU of the robot to be of low speed. In this paper, the autonomous mobile robot system and the control system using the server/client model are described. Copyright © 2008 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Study of the Counterclockwise/Clockwise (CCW/CW) Rotational Losses Measured with a Two‐dimensional Vector Magnetic Property Measurement System
Authors: Maeda Yoshitaka , Shimoji Hiroyasu , Todaka Takashi , Enokizono Masato
Published: February 2008

In the development of high‐efficiency actuators, high‐magnetic flux density conditions are applied to achieve higher torque, lower weight and smaller size. It is therefore very important to understand the magnetic properties under high‐magnetic flux conditions in the electrical steel sheets. However, it is very difficult to measure the two‐dimensional vector magnetic properties under high‐flux density conditions due to nonlinearity and anisotropy of the magnetic materials. The measured magnetic power loss under clockwise rotating fields differs from that of the counter‐clockwise direction, and the value in counter‐clockwise rotating fields sometimes becomes negative. It can be considered that angle errors of H‐coils and B‐coils are the main causes of the measurement errors. In this paper, the angle errors of the double B‐coil (search coils) and the double H‐coil (cross‐type H‐coil) are evaluated with a projector‐type magnifying scope and a calibration device. We have compensated the measured magnetic field vector components caused by the angle errors and made clear their influence on the two‐dimensional vector magnetic property measurements. Furthermore, we proposed a method to cancel out small angle errors that remained in the saturated region. Copyright © 2008 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Feasibility Study on Estimation of Permittivity Distribution by using Genetic Algorithm and Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Ohchi Masashi , Furukawa Tatsuya , Tokushima Hisao
Published: February 2008

We have investigated a measurement system for permittivity distribution based on the measured capacitance using a pair of large distance electrodes with shield and additional electrodes. However, the estimation of the permittivity distribution has not yet been established. In the paper, we propose a new numerical estimation method based on genetic algorithm (GA) and finite element method (FEM). The gene in the present GA method will have the information on such parameters as the location, radius and relative permittivity of a dielectric. The estimation of capacitance was done by using FEM with the numerical mesh data generated by the information on the gene. We also describe the feasibility of estimation of permittivity distribution using GA and FEM. Copyright © 2008 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Risk‐based Replacement Scheme: Rational Replacement under Supply Risk
Authors: Shindo Takatoshi , Okamoto Tatsuki , Takahashi Tsuguhiro
Published: February 2008

Though many studies on life extension of power apparatus have been carried out recently, it is inevitable to replace them in the not too distant future. However, if replacements of apparatus occur simultaneously, manufacturers may not able to supply the apparatus within a reasonable cost. This letter proposes a rational replacement scheme to avoid such supply risk. Copyright © 2008 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
From Innovation to Implementation: The Long and Winding Road
Authors: Galavotti Christine , Kuhlmann Anne K. Sebert , Kraft Joan Marie , Harford Nicola , Petraglia Joseph
Published: February 2008

Building on theory and past research, in early 2000 scientists in the Division of Reproductive Health developed a prevention innovation for CDC's Global AIDS Program for use in countries severely affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. This innovative program model is called MARCH: Modeling and Reinforcement to Combat HIV/AIDS (Galavotti et al. Am J Public Health 91:1602–1607,2001). MARCH promotes behavioral changes that reduce the risk of HIV infection and creates normative environments that sustain these changes through two key program components: entertainment‐education using mass media, particularly long‐running radio serial dramas, and reinforcement activities at the community level. Using the framework developed by Wandersman et al. (Am J Commun Psychol, 41(3–4), 2008), we describe the key elements of the MARCH prevention innovation and outline how we support its adaptation and implementation. We focus on the following questions: How do we get from an innovative model to effective program implementation in the field? How do we support implementation with fidelity when adaptation is required? And, once implemented, can we demonstrate fidelity of the adaptation to the original program model? Because our program model requires local adaptation for every instance of implementation, we suggest a potential enhancement to the Interactive Systems Framework—support for adaptation of the innovation—as part of the Prevention Support System. In this paper we describe how we supported adaptation of the radio serial drama component for unique contexts in several African countries. We focus attention on the tools and trainings we developed to build innovation specific capacity for implementation, including capacities for adaptation. We then present results of a qualitative analysis of scripts from the MARCH radio serial drama in Zimbabwe to assess the adapted program's fidelity to the original design of the innovation. Finally, we discuss lessons learned and explore implications for the field.
The eastward transition of Chinese culture in the Eastern Han Dynasty and the north-south difference of scholarship & literature in the Eastern Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties
Authors: Daoheng CAO
Published: February 2008

The text investigates into the historical background of the formation of Guanzhong cultural center and its eastward transition since the Eastern Han Dynasty moved its capital to Luoyang. It further analyzes the complicated causes of the literary flourishing in such places as Runan, Yingchuan, Nanyang and its influences upon the contemporaneous literature development, so as to elucidate various reasons for the great different scholarship and literature between the North and the South in the Eastern Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties. Among them one of the most important causes was that they had inherited different traditions.
Li Bai and Qiang Culture
Authors: Xunchu ZHOU
Published: February 2008

Previous studies have attempted to unveil the mystery of Li Bai from various perspectives. This paper tries to reveal Li Bai’s uniqueness by considering his family roots and his immersion in Qiang culture in his early childhood. The fact that Li Bai uses the word bai 白 (white) frequently in his poems and that he often thinks of the legend of Ge You, goat rider, demonstrate that he is deeply influenced by the Qiang people and their culture. The reason why he longed day and night to visit the immortals in the grottos of the mountains in Yue is also related to Qiang culture. Taoism was derived from the funeral customs of the Qiang people, and hence the depictions about Chisongzi who rose up to heaven in purple haze in Li Bai’s poems show how immense the influence of the regional culture of Shu and Qiang culture on Li Bai was. In addition, the music he enjoyed and the dance he performed are also closely associated with those of Qiang people.
The Jian bureaucracy and mid-Tang literature
Authors: Zili MA
Published: February 2008

Jian bureaucrats as a group played an active role in the cultural and political life of China during the mid-Tang period (CE 766–835). Mid-Tang scholars engaged in literary pursuits formed strong attachments to Jian positions and were eager to serve as Jian bureaucrats. If experience had taught the mid-Tang Jian bureaucrats anything, it was that they had to follow cautious strategies in making arguments or suggestions concerning government affairs. This paper aims to show that these Jian bureaucrats tended to incorporate their political agenda for administrative supervision into literary writings. In this sense, the relevance between literary activities having political significance and the political agenda of the mid-Tang literati holding Jian positions can be examined
Classroom climate indicators and attitudes towards foreigners
Authors: Gniewosz Burkhard , Noack Peter
Published: February 2008

The school has been described as an important socialization agent in the process of political development. But the mechanism concerning how school contributes to political development has rarely been investigated. In this study we focus on contextual variables, i.e., classroom climate indicators that are seen as important aspects of the context in which adolescent development takes place. The study was based on the total of 1312 German students. In multilevel analyses, we regressed students’ reports on intolerant attitudes towards foreigners on background characteristics as well as on the perceived classroom climate. Fairness in the classroom as perceived by the individual student was found to be negatively related to intolerance and achievement pressure was positively related. Students attending the high college‐bound track reported less antiforeigner attitudes as did students where parents had a more sophisticated educational background. The results are discussed proposing schools to provide an open climate as a contextual framework for the development of tolerant attitudes among adolescents.
Motives for risk‐taking in adolescence: A cross‐cultural study
Authors: Kloep M. , Güney N. , Çok F. , Simsek Ö.F.
Published: February 2008

Most research on adolescent risk‐taking has been conducted in Western societies, but it is as yet unknown whether motives to engage in risk behaviours show cultural variety. This study sets out to investigate differences in perceived motives to engage in perceived risks in Turkish and Welsh samples of young people (N=922) between 14 and 20 years of age. For this, a measurement scale to assess motives for risk‐taking was constructed and validated cross‐culturally. The scale was based on Kloep and Hendry's [(1999). Challenges, risks and coping in adolescence. In D. Messer, & S. Millar (Eds.), Exploring developmental psychology (pp. 400–416). London: Arnold] theoretical framework and the results of a study by Güney and Çok [(2006). Adolescent risk‐taking: Calculated risks, Turkish experience. In Paper presented at the 10th Bi‐annual conference of the European Association for Research on Adolescence, Antalya, Turkey]. Results show that different motives are associated with different risk behaviours, confirming Kloep and Hendry's expanded model. There were small, but significant, national differences, implying that motives to take risks—as opposed to actual risks taken—could be similar across adolescent populations, independent of culture.
Interaction and relationship development in stable young couples: Effects of positive engagement, psychological aggression, and withdrawal
Authors: Laurent Heidemarie K. , Kim Hyoun K. , Capaldi Deborah M.
Published: February 2008

This study tested associations among observed interaction patterns and relationship satisfaction in a subsample of young at‐risk couples (n=47) from the Oregon Youth Study who remained stable over 7 years; each partner's positive engagement, psychological aggression, and withdrawal within a particular conflict structure (his vs. her topic) was used to predict satisfaction over time using multilevel growth curve modeling. Women's positive engagement during both topics predicted higher satisfaction for both partners at within‐couple and between‐couple levels. Women's psychological aggression showed topic‐specific associations with lower satisfaction for each partner, and increases in both men's and women's psychological aggression during their partner's topic related to lower satisfaction over time for women. Both partners’ withdrawal during men's topics predicted less decline in satisfaction for men.
Transfer of the Kenyan Kikuyu male circumcision ritual to future generations living in the United States☆
Authors: Mbito Michael N. , Malia Julia A.
Published: February 2008

This phenomenological research report from analysis of interviews with 18 participants focuses on the theme of transferring an age‐old initiation‐into‐manhood circumcision ritual to future generations of Kenyan Kikuyu who are living in the US. We identified three subthemes and found a strong indication that, while personally meaningful to the participants, the ritual, its meaning, and its impact likely will dwindle and possibly eventually be eradicated among future Kikuyu generations in America unless there is a concerted effort to shape the initiation rite into a form that they find meaningful.
Intrathecal antinociceptive interaction between the NMDA antagonist ketamine and the opioids, morphine and biphalin
Authors: Kosson Dariusz , Klinowiecka Anna , Kosson Piotr , Bonney Iwona , Carr Daniel B. , Mayzner‐Zawadzka Ewa , Lipkowski Andrzej W.
Published: February 2008

Biphalin is an opioid peptide analogue that currently is under clinical development as a new type of site‐directed analgesic. In rats, the intrathecal (i.t.) analgesic potency of biphalin is 1000‐fold greater than morphine. Such a high activity may reflect this compound's activation of three types of opioid receptors (μ, δ and κ). NMDA receptors also play an important role in nociceptive processing. Therefore, we investigated in rats whether an NMDA antagonist may influence biphalin‐induced antinociception. In the present study, ketamine was chosen because of the widespread safe use of this drug in clinical practice. I.t. application of ketamine alone had relatively little analgesic effect and its excitatory effects limited possible doses of the drug. Co‐administration of ketamine with biphalin or morphine produced markedly greater antinociception than biphalin or morphine alone in acute, thermal tail flick testing. These results suggest that NMDA antagonists may be useful potentiators of biphalin analgesia. Thus, to obtain the same spinal antinociceptive effect, lower doses of biphalin or morphine are required when ketamine is co‐administered.
New uses for old drugs. Auranofin, a clinically established antiarthritic metallodrug, exhibits potent antimalarial effects in vitro: Mechanistic and pharmacological implications
Authors: Sannella Anna Rosa , Casini Angela , Gabbiani Chiara , Messori Luigi , Bilia Anna Rita , Vincieri Francesco Franco , Majori Giancarlo , Severini Carlo
Published: February 2008

The clinically established gold‐based antiarthritic drug auranofin (AF) manifests a pronounced reactivity toward thiol and selenol groups of proteins. In particular, AF behaves as a potent inhibitor of mammalian thioredoxin reductases causing severe intracellular oxidative stress. Given the high sensitivity of Plasmodium falciparum to oxidative stress, we thought that auranofin might act as an effective antimalarial agent. Thus, we report here new experimental results showing that auranofin and a few related gold complexes strongly inhibit P. falciparum growth in vitro. The observed antiplasmodial effects probably arise from direct inhibition of P. falciparum thioredoxin reductase. The above findings and the safe toxicity profile of auranofin warrant rapid evaluation of AF for malaria treatment in animal models.
The tobacco geneNtcyc07confers arsenite tolerance inSaccharomyces cerevisiaeby reducing the steady state levels of intracellular arsenic
Authors: Mok Young Geun , Lee Byoung Doo , Kim Young Jin , Lee Chang Eun , Kim Dong Gwan , Lee Joohyun , Shim Jaekyung , Meng Yuling , Rosen Barry P. , Choi Jong Soon , Shin Hyoung Sun , Kim Seong-Ki , Lee June Seung , Hwang Seongbin
Published: February 2008

We cloned a plant gene,Ntcyc07, conferring arsenite tolerance by expressing a tobacco expression library in WT yeast (Y800). Expression ofNtcyc07increased the tolerance to As(III) and decreased its accumulation, suggesting that the enhanced As(III) tolerance resulted from a reduction of the intracellular arsenic level. Interestingly, expression ofNtcyc07increased the expression of the As(III) export carrierACR3, but repressed that of As(III) uptake channelFPS1. Ntcyc07p interacted with Acr1p, which is the transcriptional activator ofACR3, but not with theACR3promoter. Taken together, the data indicated that Ntcyc07p promoted As(III) tolerance by decreasing the intracellular level of As(III) via increasing the expression ofACR3and reducing that ofFPS1.
Radioprotective properties of eckol against ionizing radiation in mice
Authors: Park Eunjin , Ahn Gin-nae , Lee Nam Ho , Kim Jeong Mi , Yun Jin Seok , Hyun Jin Won , Jeon You-Jin , Wie Myung Bok , Lee Young Jae , Park Jae Woo , Jee Youngheun
Published: February 2008

We have investigated the radioprotective efficacy of eckol, a component of brown seaweed Ecklonia cava, against the gamma ray‐induced damage in vivo. Our results showed that eckol significantly decreased the mortality of lethally irradiated mice. The mechanisms of eckol's protection were found to include: an improvement in hematopoietic recovery, the repair of damaged DNA in immune cells and an enhancement of their proliferation, which had been severely suppressed by ionizing radiation. Thus, we propose eckol as a candidate for adjuvant therapy to alleviate radiation‐induced injuries to cancer patients.
A single histidine residue modulates enzymatic activity in acidic mammalian chitinase
Authors: Bussink Anton P. , Vreede Jocelyne , Aerts Johannes M.F.G. , Boot Rolf G.
Published: February 2008

Mammals express two active chitinases, chitotriosidase and AMCase. Only AMCase displays an extremely acidic pH optimum, consistent with its observed presence in the gastro‐intestinal tract. A structural model of AMCase reveals the presence of a conserved histidine residue in the active site. Mutational analyses and molecular dynamics simulations show that His187 is responsible for the acidic optimum and suggest pH dependent modulation of the reaction mechanism that is unique to AMCases. Concluding, His187 is a crucial structural component of the active site of AMCase and this unique feature may serve as a lead for the development of specific inhibitors.