bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Templated Organic and Hybrid Materials for Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Haberkorn Niko , Lechmann Maria C. , Sohn Byeong Hyeok , Char Kookheon , Gutmann Jochen S. , Theato Patrick
Published: July 2009

The review highlights different approaches to template organic materials as well as hybrid materials that find or are expected to find application in optoelectronic devices. The first templating approach focuses on the use of preformed nanoporous membranes as templates for organic materials and polymeric materials. Such nanoporous templates can be track‐etched membranes, anodic aluminum oxide membranes and other variants thereof, or block copolymer templates. Further, opals have been described as templates. In the second part, we have summarized developments that take advantage of self‐assembly processes to pattern hybrid materials. Examples are sol‐gel templating techniques using amphiphiles, evaporation‐induced self‐assembly, lyotropic templating as well as templating from block copolymers. Both routes are very promising templating approaches for optoelectronic materials and represent complementary rather than competing techniques.

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Hetero‐Telechelic Dye‐Labeled Polymer for Nanoparticle Decoration
Authors: Roth Peter J. , Kim Ki‐Se , Bae Su Hak , Sohn Byeong‐Hyeok , Theato Patrick , Zentel Rudolf
Published: July 2009

The synthesis of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) exhibiting one fluorescent dye (Texas Red) and one methyl disulfide end group is described. It is shown that the latter end group enabled the exchange of both oleic amine on gold nanoparticles (AuNP) and of oleic acid on CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QD), allowing for a phase transfer of both types of nanoparticles (NP) from hexane into dimethylformamide due to the solubility provided by the PMMA chains. For AuNP, a fluorescence quenching of the dye was found due to fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) from the dye to the AuNP, while QDs caused a fluorescence enhancement by FRET from the QD to the attached dyes. Due to the hetero‐telechelic geometry of the polymer, the separation between NP and dye is governed by the end‐to‐end distance of the polymer.

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Conjugated Triphenylene Polymers for Blue OLED Devices
Authors: Saleh Moussa , Park Young‐Seo , Baumgarten Martin , Kim Jang‐Joo , Müllen Klaus
Published: July 2009

Three polytriphenylene derivatives with phenyl and alkyl groups as side chains have been tested as blue light emitters. The best performance in terms of turn‐on voltage and luminance efficiencies was obtained for poly(2‐heptyl‐3‐(4‐octylphenyl)‐1,4‐diphenyl‐6,11‐triphenylenyl‐1,4‐benzene) (1), which was additionally blended with an electron‐transporting and a hole‐injection material in the device, and had an onset of 4.6 V and reached 0.73 cd · A−1.

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Aerobic capacity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A comparison of two submaximal test methods
Authors: Haglund E.K , Bremander A.B.
Published: July 2009

Background: In a clinical setting it is important to evaluate aerobic capacity in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to have a choice between tests, owing to disability of varying severity. Two submaximal tests, a bicycle ergometer test and a treadmill walking test, are commonly used. Despite expected differences in the results, these tests have been used interchangeably. The aim of the current study was to compare the results of the two tests, the size of the difference and factors expected to influence the results.

Methods: Fifty‐two outpatients with RA performed the two tests. Agreement and correlations between the results of the tests were calculated. Multivariate analysis was used to study the relationships between gender, weight, health assessment questionnaire, global health assessment and the difference between the tests.

Results: Sixty per cent of the subjects exhibited a higher estimated value of maximum oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) in the treadmill test. The limits of agreement for the estimated V̇O2max values between the two methods ranged from −13.4 to +18.4 ml × min−1 × kg−1, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICCTwo‐way mixed) was 0.34 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.07, 0.56). Body weight was independently associated with the difference between the two tests (regression coefficient 0.3; 95% CI 0.14, 0.42). A higher body weight had a greater impact on the results of the bicycle test (R2 = 0.28; regression coefficient −0.3; 95% CI −0.47, −0.17) than on the treadmill walking test (R2 = 0.02; regression coefficient −0.06; 95% CI −0.14, 0.03).

Conclusions: It is not advisable to use the two submaximal methods interchangeably. Weight influenced the difference between the two tests, and to a higher degree in the bicycle test than the treadmill walking test. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aus Zwei mach Eins — Jobbörse beim Wissenschaftsforum
Authors: Schmitz Karin
Published: July 2009

Für das GDCh‐Wissenschaftsforum 2009 werden das GDCh‐Jobcenter und die Frankfurter Jobbörse für Naturwissenschaftler zusammengelegt. Das Ergebnis ist ein Angebot für alle, die ihren Berufseinstieg planen.
Energie und Nachhaltigkeit
Authors: Hübel Marcus
Published: July 2009

Als Querschnittstechnologie hilft die Chemie, Umwelt und Klima zu schützen. Mit Beiträgen, welche die volkswirtschaftliche Energieeffizienz erhöhen, steigert die Chemieindustrie Gewinn und Reputation.
Cocainspuren in Getränken
Authors: Lachenmeier Dirk W.
Published: July 2009

Fortschritte in der analytischen Chemie erlauben es seit einiger Zeit, Spurenstoffe wie Cocain in sehr geringen Konzentrationen zu finden. Ein aktuelles Beispiel sind Spuren des Alkaloids in Cola‐Getränken.
Classification of prostatic diseases by means of multivariate analysis onin vivoproton MRSI and DCE‐MRI data
Authors: Valerio Mariacristina , Panebianco Valeria , Sciarra Alessandro , Osimani Marcello , Salsiccia Stefano , Casciani Lorena , Giuliani Alessandro , Bizzarri Mariano , Di Silverio Franco , Passariello Roberto , Conti Filippo
Published: July 2009

Multivariate analysis has been applied on proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (1H‐MRSI) and dynamic contrast enhanced MRI (DCE‐MRI) data of patients with different prostatic diseases such as chronic inflammation, fibrosis and adenocarcinoma. Multivariate analysis offers a global view of the entire range of information coming from both the imaging and spectroscopic side of NMR technology, leading to an integrated picture of the system relying upon the entire metabolic and dynamic profile of the studied samples. In this study, we show how this approach, applied to1H‐MRSI/DCE‐MRI results, allows us to differentiate among the various prostatic diseases in a non‐invasive way with a 100% accuracy. These findings suggest that multivariate analysis of1H‐MRSI/DCE‐MRI can significantly improve the diagnostic accuracy for these pathological entities. From a more theoretical point of view, the complementation of a single biomarker approach with an integrated picture of the entire metabolic and dynamic profile allows for a more realistic appreciation of pathological entities. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of oxidative capacity among leg muscles in humans using gated 31P 2‐D chemical shift imaging
Authors: Forbes Sean C. , Slade Jill M. , Francis Ryan M. , Meyer Ronald A.
Published: July 2009

In many small animals there are distinct differences in fiber‐type composition among limb muscles, and these differences typically correspond to marked disparities in the oxidative capacities. However, whether there are similar differences in the oxidative capacity among leg muscles in humans is less clear. The purpose of this study was to compare the rate of phosphocreatine (PCr) recovery, a functional in vivo marker of oxidative capacity, in the lateral and medial gastrocnemius, soleus, and the anterior compartment of the leg (primarily the tibialis anterior) of humans. Subjects performed plantar flexion and dorsiflexion gated exercise protocols consisting of 70 sets of three rapid dynamic contractions (<2.86 s) at 20 s intervals (total: 23.3 min). Starting after the sixth set of contractions, 31P 2‐D CSI (8 × 8 matrix, 14–16 cm FOV, 3 cm slice, TR 2.86 s) were acquired via a linear transmit/receive surface coil using a GE 3T Excite System. The CSI data were zero‐filled (32 × 32) and a single FID was produced for each time point in the lateral and medial gastrocnemius, soleus, and anterior compartment. The time constant for PCr recovery was calculated from τ = ‐Δt/ln[D/(D + Q)], where Q is the percentage change in PCr due to contraction during the steady‐state portion of the protocol, D the additional drop in PCr from rest, and Δt is the interval between contractions. The τ of PCr recovery was longer (p < 0.05) in the anterior compartment (32 ± 3 s) than in the lateral (23 ± 2 s) and medial gastrocnemius muscles (24 ± 3 s) and the soleus (22 ± 3 s) muscles. These findings suggest that the oxidative capacity is lower in the anterior compartment than in the triceps surae muscles and is consistent with the notion that fiber‐type phenotypes vary among the leg muscles of humans. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parallel efficient mesh motion using radial basis functions with application to multi‐bladed rotors
Authors: Rendall T. C. S. , Allen C. B.
Published: July 2009

Radial basis functions are used to provide a solution to the problem of mesh motion for unsteady aerodynamic simulation. The method is independent of connectivity and produces high‐quality meshes, but is expensive for large meshes in its full form. Hence, the efficiency of the technique has been greatly improved here by reducing the number of surface points used to define deformations of the surface, and the minor error in position that this implies at other surface points is corrected with a simple decaying perturbation, thus splitting the method into a primary basis function method and a secondary local correction method. This means that the exact surface is retained, but the mesh motion is significantly faster, while splitting the motion into two stages allows both the methods to work on appropriate problems given their relative strengths. An example deformation for a 5×106 cell helicopter rotor mesh with an exaggerated cyclic pitch motion shows excellent mesh quality, thus validating a scheme that is also simple, robust and readily parallelized. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Drug safety alert generation and overriding in a large Dutch university medical centre
Authors: van der Sijs Heleen , Mulder Alexandra , van Gelder Teun , Aarts Jos , Berg Marc , Vulto Arnold
Published: July 2009

Purpose

To evaluate numbers and types of drug safety alerts generated and overridden in a large Dutch university medical centre.

Methods

A disguised observation study lasting 25 days on two internal medicine wards evaluating alert generation and handling of alerts. A retrospective analysis was also performed of all drug safety alerts overridden in the hospital using pharmacy log files over 24 months.

Results

In the disguised observation study 34% of the orders generated a drug safety alert of which 91% were overridden. The majority of alerts generated (56%) concerned drug–drug interactions (DDIs) and these were overridden more often (98%) than overdoses (89%) or duplicate orders (80%). All drug safety alerts concerning admission medicines were overridden.

Retrospective analysis of pharmacy log files for all wards revealed one override per five prescriptions. Of all overrides, DDIs accounted for 59%, overdoses 24% and duplicate orders 17%. DDI alerts of medium‐level seriousness were overridden more often (55%) than low‐level (22%) or high‐level DDIs (19%). In 36% of DDI overrides, it would have been possible to monitor effects by measuring serum levels. The top 20 of overridden DDIs accounted for 76% of all DDI overrides.

Conclusions

Drug safety alerts were generated in one third of orders and were frequently overridden. Duplicate order alerts more often resulted in order cancellation (20%) than did alerts for overdose (11%) or DDIs (2%). DDIs were most frequently overridden. Only a small number of DDIs caused these overrides. Studies on improvement of alert handling should focus on these frequently‐overridden DDIs. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Free radical copolymerization of N,N‐dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate with styrene and methyl methacrylate: monomer reactivity ratios and glass transition temperatures
Authors: Šoljić Ivana , Jukić Ante , Janović Zvonimir
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND: The properties of copolymers depend strongly on their composition; therefore in order to tailor some for specific applications, it is necessary to control their synthesis, and, in particular, to know the reactivity ratios of their constituent monomers. Free radical copolymerizations of N,N‐dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEM) with styrene (ST) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) in toluene solution using 1‐di(tert‐butylperoxy)‐3,3,5‐trimethylcyclohexane as initiator at 70 °C were investigated. Monomer reactivity ratios were determined for low conversions using both linear and nonlinear methods.

RESULTS: For the DMAEM/ST system the average values are r1 = 0.43 and r2 = 1.74; for the DMAEM/MMA system the average values are r1 = 0.85 and r2 = 0.86. The initial copolymerization rate, Rp, for DMAEM/ST sharply decreases as the content of ST in the monomer mixture increases up to 30 mol% and then attains a steady value. For the DMAEM/MMA copolymerization system the composition of the feed does not have a significant influence on Rp. The glass transition temperatures (Tg) of the copolymers were determined calorimetrically and calculated using Johnston's sequence length method. A linear dependence of Tg on copolymer composition for both systems is observed: Tg increases with increasing ST or MMA content.

CONCLUSION: Copolymerization reactivity ratios enable the design of high‐conversion processes for the production of copolymers of well‐defined properties for particular applications, such as the improvement of rheological properties of lubricating mineral oils. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Analysis of differential proteomes in pathogenic and non‐pathogenic Leptospira: Potential pathogenic and virulence factors
Authors: Thongboonkerd Visith , Chiangjong Wararat , Saetun Putita , Sinchaikul Supachok , Chen Shui‐Tein , Kositanont Uraiwan
Published: July 2009

Leptospirosis is a bacterial zoonotic disease caused by spirochetes in the genus Leptospira. To date, factors determining the pathogenicity and virulence of leptospires remain unclear. We performed a gel‐based proteomic analysis to evaluate differential leptospiral proteomes in the pathogenic L. interrogans (serovars Australis, Bratislava, Autumnalis, and Icterohaemorrhagiae) and the non‐pathogenic L. biflexa (serovar Patoc). Quantitative proteome analysis and MS protein identification revealed 42 forms of 33 unique proteins whose levels were significantly greater in the pathogenic serovars compared with the non‐pathogenic serovar. Among the four pathogenic serovars, the more virulent serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae (which is most commonly associated with severe leptospirosis in patients) had significantly greater levels of 14 forms of 12 unique proteins, when compared with the other three pathogenic serovars. Some of these identified proteins may serve as the pathogenic and/or virulence factors of leptospirosis.
Comparative proteomic profiles of the hepatopancreas in Fenneropenaeus chinensis response to hypoxic stress
Authors: Jiang Hao , Li Fuhua , Xie Yusu , Huang Bingxin , Zhang Jinkang , Zhang Jiquan , Zhang Chengsong , Li Shihao , Xiang Jianhai
Published: July 2009

Hypoxia, as one suboptimal environmental condition, can affect the physiological state of shrimp during pond aquaculture. To better understand the mechanism of response to hypoxic stress in Chinese shrimp Fenneropenaeus chinensis, proteome research approach was utilized. Differentially expressed proteins of hepatopancreas in adult Chinese shrimp between the control and hypoxia‐stressed groups were screened. By 2‐DE analysis, 67 spots showed obvious changes after hypoxia. Using LC‐ESI‐MS/MS, 51 spots representing 33 proteins were identified including preamylase, arginine kinase, phosphopyruvate hydratase, citrate synthase, ATP synthase alpha subunit, chymotrypsin BI, chitinase, ferritin, C‐type lectin receptors, transketolase, formylglutathione hydrolase, formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase, aldehyde dehydrogenase, glutathione peroxidase, cytosolic manganese superoxide dismutase, protein disulfide isomerase, β‐actin, oncoprotein nm23, crustacyanin‐C1 and so on. These proteins could be functionally classified into several groups such as proteins related to energy production, metabolism‐related proteins, immune‐related proteins, antioxidant proteins, chaperones, cytoskeleton proteins and ungrouped proteins. The transcription levels of ten selected genes encode the identified proteins were analyzed by real‐time PCR at different sampling times of hypoxia. This study is the first analysis of differentially expressed proteins in the hepatopancreas of shrimp after hypoxia and provides a new insight for further study in hypoxic stress response of shrimp at the protein level.
Analysis of the membrane proteome of canine pancreatic rough microsomes identifies a novel Hsp40, termed ERj7
Authors: Zahedi René P. , Völzing Christian , Schmitt Andreas , Frien Michael , Jung Martin , Dudek Johanna , Wortelkamp Stefanie , Sickmann Albert , Zimmermann Richard
Published: July 2009

The rough ER (rER) plays a central role in the biogenesis of most extracellular and many organellar proteins in eukaryotic cells. Cells that are specialized in protein secretion, such as pancreatic cells, are particularly rich in rER. In the process of cell homogenization, the rER is converted into ribosome‐studded vesicles, the so‐called rough microsomes. Here we report on a membrane proteomic analysis of canine pancreatic rough microsomes. Special emphasis was placed on components involved in the various aspects of protein biogenesis, such as protein transport, protein folding, protein modification, and protein degradation. Our results indicate that the Hsp70‐chaperone network that is present in the pancreatic ER is even more complex than previously thought, and suggest that the pancreatic rER has a significant capacity for protein degradation.
Phosphoproteomic analysis of the human pathogen Trypanosoma cruzi at the epimastigote stage
Authors: Nakayasu Ernesto S. , Gaynor Matthew R. , Sobreira Tiago J. P. , Ross Jeremy A. , Almeida Igor C.
Published: July 2009

Trypanosoma cruzi is the etiologic agent of Chagas disease, which affects millions of people in Latin America and has become a public health concern in the United States and areas of Europe. The possibility that kinase inhibitors represent novel anti‐parasitic agents is currently being explored. However, fundamental understanding of the cell‐signaling networks requires the detailed analysis of the involved phosphorylated proteins. Here, we have performed a comprehensive MS‐based phosphorylation mapping of phosphoproteins from T. cruzi epimastigote forms. Our LC‐MS/MS, dual‐stage fragmentation, and multistage activation analysis has identified 237 phosphopeptides from 119 distinct proteins. Furthermore, 220 phosphorylation sites were unambiguously mapped: 148 on serine, 57 on threonine, and 8 on tyrosine. In addition, immunoprecipitation and Western blotting analysis confirmed the presence of at least seven tyrosine‐phosphorylated proteins in T. cruzi. The identified phosphoproteins were subjected to Gene Ontology, InterPro, and BLAST analysis, and categorized based on their role in cell structure, motility, transportation, metabolism, pathogenesis, DNA/RNA/protein turnover, and signaling. Taken together, our phosphoproteomic data provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms governed by protein kinases and phosphatases in T. cruzi. We discuss the potential roles of the identified phosphoproteins in parasite physiology and drug development.
Photocatalytically Active Titania Layers: Production at Ambient Temperature and Characterisation of Biological Properties
Authors: Chappuis Sidney , Campiche Anna , Gilliéron Damien , Moser Eva Maria , Lausmaa Jukka , Reller Armin
Published: July 2009

The production of phase‐pure, photocatalytically active titania layers at ambient temperature is described. This novel synthesis route has been achieved by using direct‐current reactive magnetron sputtering as well as plasma‐enhanced chemical vapour deposition processes. As a consequence substrates degrading under increased temperature such as, e.g., polymers, biological fibres, tissues, etc., may be coated. The obtained titania coatings are characterised with respect to structure, morphology, phase purity and biological activity. The results of these investigations confirm promising and reproducible photocatalytic, biocompatible as well as bioactive properties.

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Optical output power‐dependent degradation mechanism of 445 nm InGaN blue laser
Authors: Kim Kyu‐Sang , Sung Y. J. , Paek H. S. , Lee S. N. , Jang T. , Son J. K. , Park Y.
Published: July 2009

The degradation characteristics of InGaN‐based blue laser diodes (LDs) are investigated at an emission wavelength of 445 nm. Two different LDs are used to determine the distinct failure characteristics with mirror reflectivities of 54% and 78%. Blue LDs are operated with the same current injection during a 1000 h reliability test. Each LD gives an output power of 100 mW and 50 mW at reflectivities of 54% and 78%, respectively. A slight threshold current increase is observed after 1000 h of aging at 50 mW, while the slope efficiency remains constant at its initial level before aging. At 100 mW, the slope efficiency (threshold current) increases 25% (100%) compared to values before aging. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Negative effect of arsenic on indium composition of InGaN grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Na Hyunseok
Published: July 2009

InGaN/GaN multiple quantum‐well structures and In–GaN/ GaN multilayers were grown on GaN/sapphire substrates by low‐pressure metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. As the tertiarybutylarsine flow rate increased, we observed various unexpected structural and optical results. These results were attributed to the reduction of In composition in InGaN from 10% to 3.7% with an increase of the TBA flow rate up to 1 μmol/min, as characterized by secondary ion mass spectrometry. Interestingly, the As concentration was also reduced slightly, accompanying the decrease in In composition. This unexpected result came from changed surface kinetics not from a gas‐phase reaction. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Giant magnetoimpedance effects in patterned Co‐based ribbons with a meander structure
Authors: Chen Lei , Zhou Yong , Zhou Zhi‐Min , Ding Wen
Published: July 2009

Longitudinal and transverse giant magnetoimpedance (GMI) effects in micropatterned ribbons (Metglas® 2714A) with meander structure are investigated. The maximum longitudinal GMI ratio of the ribbons is 180.4% and it presents to HL = 10 Oe and an AC frequency f = 20 MHz. In the range of 0–10 Oe, the GMI sensitivity of ribbons is 8.1%/Oe at 20 MHz. The maximum transverse GMI ratio is much less than the longitudinal one and the position of GMI extreme value is corresponding to higher magnetic field. The difference between the longitudinal and the transverse GMI effect is due to two main reasons: one is the easy axis deviates from the transverse direction of the sample; another is the demagnetizing factor D⊥ effect on the longitudinal permeability. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Data‐dependent electron transfer dissociation of large peptides and medium size proteins in a QTOF instrument on a liquid chromatography timescale
Authors: Hartmer Ralf G. , Kaplan Desmond A. , Stoermer Carsten , Lubeck Markus , Park Melvin A.
Published: July 2009

Liquid chromatography (LC) electron transfer dissociation (ETD) tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) of protein digests is demonstrated in a hybrid quadrupole‐hexapole orthogonal time‐of‐flight (OTOF) mass spectrometer. Analyte ions are selected in a mass‐analyzing quadrupole, accumulated in the hexapole linear ETD reaction cell and mutually stored with ETD reagent anions. Product ions are collected in an ion cooler and then analyzed by an OTOF mass analyzer. The hexapole structure of the ETD reaction cell allows for a broad fragment ion mass range distribution and a high ion storage capacity. Analytically useful ETD OTOF‐MS/MS spectra could be obtained at a rate of faster than 2 Hz. When used in conjunction with LC this high speed allows for several MS and MS/MS spectra to be obtained across each LC peak. An MS scan is used to select the precursor ions. With a 1 m flight tube and single reflection, resolutions of about 10 k and a mass accuracy of 5 ppm were achieved. When analyzing a 100 fmol solution of a tryptic digest of bovine serum albumin (BSA) by LC/ETD MS/MS, 27 unique peptides were identified with a summed Mascot score of 1316 using the Swiss Prot database. In addition, we explored the capability for analyzing small proteins with the present hybrid instrument. ETD MS/MS of intact ubiquitin ([M+12H]12+) leads to the identification of the protein with a Mascot score of 264. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intention to treat, per protocol, as treated and instrumental variable estimators given non‐compliance and effect heterogeneity
Authors: McNamee Roseanne
Published: July 2009

We consider the behaviour of three approaches to efficacy estimation—using so‐called ‘as treated’ (AT), ‘per protocol’ (PP) and ‘instrumental variable’ (IV) analyses—and of the Intention to Treat estimator, in a two‐arm randomized treatment trial with a Normally distributed outcome when there is treatment effect heterogeneity and non‐random compliance with assigned treatment. Formulae are derived for the bias of estimators when used either to estimate average treatment effect (ACE) or to estimate complier average treatment effect (CACE) under several models for the relationship between compliance and potential outcomes. These enable the expected values of AT, PP and IV estimators to be ranked in relation to ACE, and show that AT and PP estimators are generally biased for both ACE and CACE even under homogeneity. However, we show that the difference between any pair of (AT, PP, IV) estimates can be used to estimate the correlation between the latent variable determining compliance behaviour and one potential outcome. In the absence of measures that predict compliance, bounds for ACE can only be set given strong assumptions. Regarding the Intention to Treat estimator, while this is ‘biased towards the null’ if viewed as a measure of CACE, we show that it is not always so in relation to ACE. Finally we discuss the behaviour of the estimators under weak and strong null hypotheses. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developing multicomponent interventions using fractional factorial designs
Authors: Chakraborty Bibhas , Collins Linda M. , Strecher Victor J. , Murphy Susan A.
Published: July 2009

Multicomponent interventions composed of behavioral, delivery, or implementation factors in addition to medications are becoming increasingly common in health sciences. A natural experimental approach to developing and refining such multicomponent interventions is to start with a large number of potential components and screen out the least active ones. Factorial designs can be used efficiently in this endeavor. We address common criticisms and misconceptions regarding the use of factorial designs in these screening studies. We also provide an operationalization of screening studies. As an example, we consider the use of a screening study in the development of a multicomponent smoking cessation intervention. Simulation results are provided to support the discussions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two‐stage design of clinical trials involving recurrent events
Authors: Cook Richard J. , Bergeron Pierre‐Jerome , Boher Jean‐Marie , Liu Yang
Published: July 2009

Mixed Poisson models are often used for the design of clinical trials involving recurrent events since they provide measures of treatment effect based on rate and mean functions and accommodate between individual heterogeneity in event rates. Planning studies based on these models can be challenging when there is a little information available on the population event rates, or the extent of heterogeneity characterized by the variance of individual‐specific random effects. We consider methods for adaptive two‐stage clinical trial design, which enable investigators to revise sample size estimates using data collected during the first phase of the study. We describe blinded procedures in which the group membership and treatment received by each individual are not revealed at the interim analysis stage, and a ‘partially blinded’ procedure in which group membership is revealed but not the treatment received by the groups. An EM algorithm is proposed for the interim analyses in both cases, and the performance is investigated through simulation. The work is motivated by the design of a study involving patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura where the aim is to reduce bleeding episodes and an illustrative application is given using data from a cardiovascular trial. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Designs for dose–escalation trials with quantitative responses
Authors: Bailey R. A.
Published: July 2009

In a dose–escalation trial for a new drug, each successive dose is tested on a new cohort of volunteer subjects, so that if any dose produces severe adverse reactions then higher doses are not tested. However, if there are other differences between the cohorts, such as differences in environmental health factors, type of person or experimental procedure, then these differences may obscure the differences between doses. Therefore, cohorts should be fitted in the analysis, as either fixed or random effects. I suggest that, if this is done, then there are three simple principles that reduce variance (i) allocating no more than half the subjects in any cohort to any single dose; (ii) subject to safety constraints, using as many different doses as possible in each cohort; (iii) using one more cohort than the number of doses, without increasing the total number of subjects. Using these principles, I propose some new designs that conform to the safety rules of traditional dose–escalation trials while reducing the variance of the estimators of differences between the doses by a factor of two or more, for the same number of subjects. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mature Adult Dystrophic Mouse Muscle Environment Does Not Impede Efficient Engrafted Satellite Cell Regeneration and Self-Renewal
Authors: Boldrin Luisa , Zammit Peter Steven , Muntoni Francesco , Morgan Jennifer Elizabeth
Published: July 2009

Changes that occur in the skeletal muscle environment with the progress of muscular dystrophies may affect stem cell function and result in impaired muscle regeneration. It has previously been suggested that the success of stem cell transplantation could therefore be dependent both on the properties of the cell itself and on the host muscle environment. Here we engrafted young and mature adult mdx-nude mice, which are the genetic homolog of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, with a small number of satellite cells freshly isolated from young, normal donor mice. We found that the donor satellite cells contributed to muscle regeneration and self-renewal as efficiently within mature adult, as in young, dystrophic host muscle. Donor-derived satellite cells also contributed to robust regeneration after further injury, showing that they were functional despite the more advanced dystrophic muscle environment. These findings provide evidence that muscle tissue in a later stage of dystrophy may be effectively treated by stem cells.
Review of knowledge development for the design of offshore wind energy technology
Authors: Zaaijer M.B.
Published: July 2009

Offshore wind energy (OWE) is one of the emerging sustainable energy sources that are currently developed under public support. In the long run, it needs to become competitive in the energy market under the same conditions as regular sources, and it is expected that engineering design can contribute significantly towards this goal. Various activities, both academic and industrial, have contributed to the knowledge base that is needed for design and technology development and the paper reviews this knowledge. The objectives of the paper are to identify points of attention for future research and to suggest directions where academic research can contribute to design improvements. The review and the suggestions do not address very specific areas of the broad range of knowledge, but rather characterizes the types of knowledge that are available and which are missing. Many research activities contribute to foundational knowledge, needed to perform simulation and analysis of provisional design solutions. Most of the design‐related studies reviewed for this paper are solution oriented and contribute to contextualized knowledge. Studies that put more emphasis on methodologies largely target optimization methods. Existing knowledge appears to be weak in methodological support of the integration of the various asynchronous design processes that contribute to OWE development. The paper leads to a plea to generate such knowledge, which can be transferred from academia to industry to enhance the design strength already present in the industry. Several points of attention are given for this type of research. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Selection of cell death‐deficient p53 mutants in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Yacoubi‐Hadj Amor Ines , Smaoui Kamel , Belguith Hanène , Djemal Lamia , Dardouri Mosbeh , Mokdad‐Gargouri Raja , Gargouri Ali
Published: July 2009

The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a useful system for the detection and transcriptional evaluation of mutant p53 in cancer. In previous work we showed that the overexpression of wild‐type p53 induces yeast cell death on minimal medium; however, the R248W p53 mutant was completely inactive, and we suggested that ROS production is a key event in p53‐induced yeast cell death. In this study we explored the effect of other p53 mutants, such as the hot‐spot mutant R282W and the double mutant N268S::I332V. Unexpectedly, both mutants behaved inversely to R248W, as they completely inhibited yeast growth on minimal medium and induced ROS production. This phenotype ‘yeast cell death on minimal medium’ allowed for the subsequent screening of intragenic p53‐inactivating mutations. In all cases, the ‘revertant yeast clones’ display a complete p53 inactivation through either gross deletion or nonsense mutations. More interestingly, missense mutations were also found: the deletion of I255 or substitution of R337G completely inactivated the p53 mutant R282W in the yeast context. Taken together, these results suggest that p53 tumour‐derived mutants could be classified according to their ability to induce yeast cell death and not uniquely by their transcriptional activity on a selected target reporter gene. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fed‐batch methanol feeding strategy for recombinant protein production by Pichia pastoris in the presence of co‐substrate sorbitol
Authors: Çelik Eda , Çalık Pınar , Oliver Stephen G.
Published: July 2009

Batch‐wise sorbitol addition as a co‐substrate at the induction phase of methanol fed‐batch fermentation by Pichia pastoris (Mut+) was proposed as a beneficial recombinant protein production strategy and the metabolic responses to methanol feeding rate in the presence of sorbitol was systematically investigated. Adding sorbitol batch‐wise to the medium provided the following advantages over growth on methanol alone: (a) eliminating the long lag‐phase for the cells and reaching ‘high cell density production’ at t = 24 h of the process (CX = 70 g CDW/l); (b) achieving 1.8‐fold higher recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) (at t = 18 h); (c) reducing specific protease production 1.2‐fold; (d) eliminating the lactic acid build‐up period; (e) lowering the oxygen uptake rate two‐fold; and (f) obtaining 1.4‐fold higher overall yield coefficients. The maximum specific alcohol oxidase activity was not affected in the presence of sorbitol, and it was observed that sorbitol and methanol were utilized simultaneously. Thus, in the presence of sorbitol, 130 mg/l rHuEPO was produced at t = 24 h, compared to 80 mg/l rHuEPO (t = 24 h) on methanol alone. This work demonstrates not only the ease and efficiency of incorporating sorbitol to fermentations by Mut+ strains of P. pastoris for the production of any bio‐product, but also provides new insights into the metabolism of the methylotrophic yeast P. pastoris. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two‐Dimensional and Three‐Dimensional Lanthanide Coordination Polymers Built from 4‐Hydroxypyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxylic Acid Ligand
Authors: Sun Ya‐Guang , Rong Shu‐Ting , Yu Wan , Wu Yong‐Li , Ding Fu , Gao En‐Jun , Zhang Wan‐Zhong , Verpoort Francis
Published: July 2009

4‐Hydroxypyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxylic acid (H3CAM) reacts with Ln2O3(Ln = La, Ce) or Ln(NO3)3 (Ln = Sm, Dy, Gd, Ho) in hydrothermal reactions to form a series of lanthanide coordination polymers 1–6. Elemental analysis, IR spectra and X‐ray crystal structure analysis were carried out to determine the composition and crystal structure of 1–6. Compounds 1 and 2 are isostructural and contain tetranuclear metallic ring unit and 3D framework. 4–6 are isostructural contain 2D network. Furthermore, the photoluminescent properties of 3 and 4 at room temperature were also studied.
Steady two‐dimensional periodic motion of a micropolar fluid near an infinite array of moving walls
Authors: Lok Y.Y. , Pop I. , Ingham D.B.
Published: July 2009

An analysis of the steady two‐dimensional flow of a micropolar fluid that is generated by a moving wall has been performed in this paper. The wall is assumed to move with a sinusoidal velocity in the direction that is parallel to the wall. Two‐term analytical and numerical solutions are obtained for several values of the Reynolds number Re and the micropolar parameter K. Both the cases of strong and weak concentration of micropolar fluids are considered. It is found that the maximum value of the stream function and microrotation increase as K increases. However, the fluid velocity decreases as K increases. It is observed that the streamlines are in the form of a row of clockwise rotating cells which are located close to the wall. For large value of Re, it is found that a recirculation in the vorticity and a drag in the microrotation appear near to the wall at y = 0.
A numerical study for linear isotropic Cosserat elasticity with conformally invariant curvature
Authors: Jeong J. , Ramézani H. , Münch I. , Neff P.
Published: July 2009

We investigate the numerical response of the linear Cosserat model with conformal curvature. In our simulations we compare the standard Cosserat model with a novel conformal Cosserat model in torsion and highlight its intriguing features. In all cases, free boundary conditions for the microrotations overline A are applied. The size‐effect response is markedly changed for the novel curvature expression. Our results suggest that the Cosserat couple modulus µc > 0 remains a true material parameter independent of the sample size which is impossible for stronger, pointwise positive curvature expressions.
Crack identification by multifractal analysis of a dynamic rotor response
Authors: Litak G. , Sawicki J.T.
Published: July 2009

Multifractal analysis has been used to diagnose cracked and healthy rotors. Is has been shown that the complexity and regularity criteria of the dynamical systems defined by the multiple scaling of the time series can indicate the damages of the rotating shaft. Relation to the standard power spectrum technique has been also discussed.
Reasoning with graph constraints
Authors: Orejas Fernando , Ehrig Hartmut , Prange Ulrike
Published: July 2009

Graph constraints were introduced in the area of graph transformation, in connection with the notion of (negative) application conditions, as a form to limit the applicability of transformation rules. However, we believe that graph constraints may also play a significant role in the area of visual software modelling or in the specification and verification of semi-structured documents or websites (i.e. HTML or XML sets of documents). In this sense, after some discussion on these application areas, we concentrate on the problem of how to prove the consistency of specifications based on this kind of constraints. In particular, we present proof rules for two classes of graph constraints and show that our proof rules are sound and (refutationally) complete for each class. In addition, we study clause subsumption in this context as a form to speed up refutation.
Optimization of an Oil Extraction Process for Algae from the Treatment of Manure Effluent
Authors: Mulbry Walter , Kondrad Shannon , Buyer Jeffrey , Luthria Devanand L.
Published: July 2009

Increasing interest in the coupling of biological wastewater treatment processes with the generation of value‐added products (such as oil containing ω‐3 fatty acids (FA)) has stimulated efforts in adapting extraction methods for treatment byproducts. This study’s objective was to compare a high temperature/pressure extraction method (accelerated solvent extraction) (ASE) and a manual extraction method (modified Folch extraction) with regard to their ability to extract total oil from three algae samples from the treatment of dairy manure effluent. The efficiency of total oil and FA extraction with three solvents (chloroform/methanol, isopropanol/hexane, and hexane) was also evaluated using the ASE method. Results showed that the ASE method yielded higher values for total oil content compared to the Folch method but similar values for FA content and composition after four extraction cycles with chloroform/methanol. However, the ASE method yielded much higher amounts of FA in the first cycle (85–95% of total extracted) compared to the Folch method (44–55% of total extracted in the first cycle). As expected, the extraction efficiency of the ASE method for FA was dependent on the extraction solvent. FA content values using ASE with chloroform/methanol > isopropanol/hexane > hexane. FA content values using the Folch method or ASE with chloroform/methanol were not significantly influenced by sample particle size within the size range of 0.1–1 mm.
Developing an Overall Ranking of 79 Marketing Journals: An Introduction of PRINQUAL to Marketing
Authors: Yoo Boonghee
Published: July 2009

The PRINQUAL (PRINcipal components of QUALitative data) procedure transforms original variables linearly or nonlinearly and optimizes the properties of the transformed variables’ covariance or correlation matrix. During the transformation procedure, PRINQUAL also imputes missing values measured at all levels of measurement. Although the application of PRINQUAL is endless in marketing, it is virtually unknown to marketing researchers. This study introduces PRINQUAL to marketing by demonstrating its capability, which produces a composite ranking of marketing journals across a variety of studies that used different ways of rankings and ranked a different set of journals. The application PRINQUAL integrates 13 studies and produces overall rankings of 79 marketing journals.
Regulatory mechanism of NFATc1 in RANKL‐induced osteoclast activation
Authors: Song Insun , Kim Jung Ha , Kim Kabsun , Jin Hye Mi , Youn Bang Ung , Kim Nacksung
Published: July 2009

NFATc1 is a master regulator of RANKL‐induced osteoclast differentiation and herein we investigate the regulatory mechanism of NFATc1 in osteoclast activation. Inactivation of NFATc1 strongly attenuates RANKL‐induced bone resorption and overexpression of a constitutively active form of NFATc1 in osteoclasts induces formation of actin rings and resorption pits on dentin slices. We demonstrate that NFATc1 binds directly to the promoter regions of its target genes and induces expression of various genes, including LTBP3, ClC7, cathepsin K, MMP9, and c‐Src, which are key players in bone resorption. Thus, NFATc1 is essential for RANKL‐induced osteoclast activation via up‐regulation of osteoclast‐activating genes.
Prevalence of apoptotic epidermal keratinocytes in eosinophilic dermatoses of the cat: A retrospective light-microscopic study of 145 skin-biopsy specimens
Authors: Griffin Joya S , Scott Danny W. , Erb Hollis N
Published: July 2009

A retrospective light-microscopic study was performed on skin-biopsy specimens from 145 cats with eosinophilic inflammatory dermatoses in order to determine the prevalence of apoptotic epidermal keratinocytes (AKs), the prevalence of eosinophils in close proximity to AKs, and whether there was a difference in the prevalence of AKs or the prevalence of eosinophils in close proximity to AKs based on histopathological reaction pattern. Overall, 62/145 (43%) specimens had AKs. Of the cases in which AKs were seen, 18% had eosinophils in close proximity to the AKs. The specimens were divided into three groups based on histopathological reaction pattern: perivascular-to-interstitial, diffuse, and nodular. No difference in the prevalence of AKs was found among the three histological groups. Because the sample size containing eosinophils in close proximity to AKs was too small to compare the three histological patterns individually, nodular and non-nodular patterns were compared. No difference in the presence of eosinophils in close proximity to AKs was found in these two subsets. More AKs were present if eosinophils were in close proximity to the AKs (range 1–9 with eosinophils near compared to 0–7 without).
Low frequency electromagnetic radiation and hearing
Authors: Morales J , Garcia M , Perez C , Valverde J V , Lopez-Sanchez C , Garcia-Martinez V , Quesada J L
Published: July 2009

Objective:

To analyse the possible impact of low and extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields on the outer hairs cells of the organ of Corti, in a guinea pig model.

Materials and methods:

Electromagnetic fields of 50, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000 and 5000 Hz frequencies and 1.5 µT intensity were generated using a transverse electromagnetic wave guide. Guinea pigs of both sexes, weighing 100–150 g, were used, with no abnormalities on general and otic examination. Total exposure times were: 360 hours for 50, 500 and 1000 Hz; 3300 hours for 2000 Hz; 4820 hours for 4000 Hz; and 6420 hours for 5000 Hz. One control animal was used in each frequency group. The parameters measured by electric response audiometer included: hearing level; waves I–IV latencies; wave I–III interpeak latency; and percentage appearance of waves I–III at 90 and 50 dB sound pressure level intensity.

Results:

Values for the above parameters did not differ significantly, comparing the control animal and the rest of each group. In addition, no significant differences were found between our findings and those of previous studies of normal guinea pigs.

Conclusion:

Prolonged exposure to electromagnetic fields of 50 Hz to 5 KHz frequencies and 1.5 µT intensity, produced no functional or morphological alteration in the outer hair cells of the guinea pig organ of Corti.