bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the potential advantages of a new design metacarpophalangeal joint
Authors: Yeoman M , Johnstone A , Karuppiah S V , Targell J , Shepherd D E
Published: August 2009

This paper investigates a new metacarpophalangeal joint design aimed at treating patients with moderate to severe forms of arthritis affecting the index, long, ring, and little fingers. Current small joint arthroplasty designs, including those for the metacarpophalangeal joint of the hand, have had limited success owing to mechanical failures and can be divided into two main families: single-piece elastomer implants and surface articulating implants. The design proposed in this study involves combining the principles of a surface weight-bearing articulating implant with those of a spanning elastomeric implant. The design consists of metacarpal and proximal phalangeal articulating housings and a central flexible spanning elastomer rod that maintains the alignment of the metacarpal and proximal phalangeal components. A preliminary finite element analysis was used to investigate the stresses in the design, the wear of the articulating bearing surfaces for different material combinations, and the stresses between the central elastomer rod and the articulating housings. This preliminary analysis shows that the design should withstand the probable loading conditions experienced within the human body and that the wear rates of the articulating surfaces and the central elastomer are acceptable.
Ultrasound bioeffects and safety
Authors: Haar G ter
Published: August 2009

The main mechanisms by which ultrasound can induce biological effects as it passes through the body are thermal and mechanical in nature. The mechanical effects are primarily related to the presence of gas, whether drawn out of solution by the negative going ultrasound pressure wave (acoustic cavitation), a naturally occurring gas body (such as lung alveoli), or deliberately introduced into the blood stream to increase imaging contrast (microbubble contrast agents). Observed biological effects are discussed in the context of these mechanisms and their relevance to ultrasound safety is discussed.
Microindentation on cortical human bone: Effects of tissue condition and indentation location on hardness values
Authors: Zwierzak I , Baleani M , Viceconti M
Published: August 2009

The hardness of cortical human bone has been measured on osteons in different conditions. However, no data are reported in the literature regarding the effect of cortical tissue condition and indentation location on the measured hardness values. This study aimed to investigate whether the hardness of the human cortical bone evaluated by micro-indentation is influenced, first, by the tissue condition and, second, by the distance of the indentation from the edge of the Haversian canal. Two femura were collected from a subject without musculoskeletal disease. The Vickers hardness was measured by means of microindentation (applied load, 100 gf) on osteons with a cross-section greater than 200 μm. The tests were performed on wet and embedded tissue at different distances from the Haversian canal edge (30—150 μm). No significant differences were found in hardness values between the two contralateral femura. Embedded tissue was significantly harder (12 per cent) than wet tissue. No significant differences were found in hardness values measured at different distances from the Haversian canal edge except for those closer than 60 μm. Therefore, indentations cannot be performed on osteons small in cross-section, since the distance from the closer pore has to be controlled. They should be performed on wet tissue, to avoid an offset in the measured hardness.
Validation of three-dimensional multi-body system approach for modelling track flexibility
Authors: Rathod C , Chamorro R , Escalona J L , El-Sibaie M , Shabana A A
Published: August 2009

The objective of this investigation is to examine the results and demonstrate the validity of a proposed multi-body railroad vehicle system formulation that accounts for the dynamic coupling between three-dimensional (3D) contact parameters and the rail structural flexibility. This formulation allows building complex track models that include significant details at a finite-element preprocessing stage. The data of the detailed track model can be used as an input to a general purpose flexible multi-body computer program for a non-linear analysis that accounts for the dynamic coupling between the track flexibility, 3D wheel—rail contact, and the vehicle dynamics. The simulations are performed using the methods of multi-body system dynamics that employ 3D wheel—rail contact methodology capable of finding the wheel—rail contact points online. The effect of the structural flexibility of the rails is included in the equations of motion using the finite-element floating frame of reference formulation. While this formulation allows for an arbitrary reference displacement for the track, this reference displacement is constrained in order to be able to compare the results with those results obtained using simplified approaches. The results obtained by applying the proposed multi-body system/finite-element formulation to a simple railroad vehicle travelling on a deformable tangent track are compared with the results of a moving load on a Winkler foundation. In addition to the simple moving load model used, a second model that accounts for the effect of the vehicle inertia is also used in this study. The comparative study presented in this article shows a good agreement between the results obtained using the two different methods. Furthermore, the results obtained in the case of a flexible track are compared with the results obtained using a rigid track in order to examine the effect of the track structural flexibility on the non-linear dynamics of the rail system.
Cytochrome c551 Is a Mediator of Electron Transfer between Copper-Containing Nitrite Reductase and Azurin in a Denitrifying Bacterium, Achromobacter xylosoxidans
Authors: Koteishi Hiroyasu , Nojiri Masaki , Nakagami Takuya , Yamaguchi Kazuya , Suzuki Shinnichiro
Published: August 2009

Cu-containing nitrite reductase from a denitrifying bacterium, Achromobacter xylosoxidans GIFU1051 (the organism formerly known as Alcaligenes xylosoxidans), can accept an electron from three possible electron donors (cytochrome c551 and two azurins). We have kinetically demonstrated that cytochrome c551 functions as a mediator in the electron flow processes between the enzyme and two azurins.
Sulfide-Bearing Phosphine Ligands: Their Pd Complexes and Application to Copolymerizations of Olefins and CO
Authors: Sakakibara Ken , Nozaki Kyoko
Published: August 2009

Various types of sulfide–phosphine ligands and their Pd complexes were synthesized and applied to copolymerization of olefins with carbon monooxide.
Structural and Optical Properties of Burr-Like CuS/Cu9S5 Microwires and Cu9S5 Microspheres Synthesized by a Two-Step Solvothermal Method
Authors: Fan Libo , Feng Tuanhui , Wang Peng , Zhang Chunli , Feng Zhibo
Published: August 2009

Burr-like CuS/Cu9S5 microwires and Cu9S5 microspheres can be synthesized by a two-step solvothermal method. Experiment results indicated that the CuS/Cu9S5 microwires (diameter of ca. 300 nm and length of several micrometers) and Cu9S5 microspheres (diameter of ca. 800 nm) obtained by this method had uniform morphologies and large product. X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) experiments were carried out to characterize them. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) experiments were carried out to study the components and thermal stabilization of the precursors. A possible formation mechanism and ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) absorption spectra are also described in this paper.
Controlled Synthesis of TT Phase Niobium Pentoxide Nanowires Showing Enhanced Photocatalytic Properties
Authors: Saito Kenji , Kudo Akihiko
Published: August 2009

The controlled synthesis of niobia nanowires with TT (tief–tief) phase (TT-Nb2O5-NW) that is the stable phase at low temperature was accomplished through calcination of niobium-based amorphous nanowires (Nb2O5-NW) composed of closely packed primary particles, obtained by the reaction of water-soluble niobium oxo-oxalate complex (NH4)3[NbO(Ox)3]·H2O (Ox = oxalate) with trioctylamine (TOA) employed as a structure-directing agent. TT-Nb2O5-NW gave a sharp absorption edge, which agreed well with that of the same crystalline phase of bulk niobia (TT-Nb2O5-B), suggesting no influence on the band gap energies by the shape transformation. An aqueous suspension containing TT-Nb2O5-NW and a sacrificial reagent was irradiated with white light (λ > 300 nm) from a Xe lamp to afford the enhanced photocatalytic activities for H2 or O2 evolution compared with that of conventional TT-Nb2O5-B.
Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Monodisperse Nickel Nanoparticles Using a Complex of Nickel Formate with Long-Chain Amine Ligands
Authors: Yamauchi Tomohisa , Tsukahara Yasunori , Sakamoto Tetsuo , Kono Takumi , Yasuda Makoto , Baba Akio , Wada Yuji
Published: August 2009

We have successfully prepared face-centered cubic (fcc) Ni nanoparticles by the intramolecular reduction of Ni2+ ion contained in a formate complex having long-chain amine ligands within an extremely short time under microwave irradiation. Formate ion coordinated to Ni2+ ion acted as a reducing agent for Ni2+ in this reaction and finally decomposed to hydrogen and carbon dioxide. Ligation of the long-chain amine lowered the reaction temperatures by decreasing the energy barrier required for the reduction of the nickel formate complex. Monodisperse Ni nanoparticles with average sizes of 43, 71, and 106 nm were prepared using the complex of nickel formate with several chain lengths of alkylamines such as oleylamine (=(Z)-9-octadecenylamine), myristylamine (=tetradecylamine), and laurylamine (=dodecylamine), respectively. The relationship between the magnetic properties and the particle sizes of Ni nanoparticles is discussed.
Design of Sophisticated Bidentate Lewis Acids and Organocatalysts for Fine Organic Synthesis
Authors: Maruoka Keiji
Published: August 2009

Apart from enzymes as biocatalysts, a broad repertoire of chiral reagents, auxiliaries, and catalysts have been developed in recent years. In this respect, the design of new catalysts and new reactions in an efficient manner is increasingly important in this century for the construction of new and useful molecules. Accordingly, by designing and synthesizing sophisticated metal and non-metal catalysts, hitherto unattainable, unusual reactivity and selectivity is pursued in synthetic organic reactions. For example, the rational design of designer Lewis acids, particularly bidentate Lewis acid catalysts and their application to selective organic synthesis is carried out. In addition, the design of chiral phase transfer catalysts, chiral bifunctional organocatalysts, and chiral Brønsted acid catalysts as promising organocatalysts is realized for their application to practical asymmetric synthesis.
Chemistry of Anthracene–Acetylene Oligomers. XIII. Synthesis, Structures, and Spectroscopic Properties of All Possible 1,8-Anthrylene Cyclic Tetramers with Acetylene and Diacetylene Linkers
Authors: Toyota Shinji , Miyahara Hiroaki , Goichi Michio , Yamasaki Shingo , Iwanaga Tetsuo
Published: August 2009

All the possible 1,8-anthrylene cyclic tetramers with acetylene and diacetylene linkers were synthesized as new types of π-conjugated compounds. Building units were connected by coupling reactions, and macrocyclization of the tetrameric precursors by Eglinton coupling gave the desired cyclic oligomers. Molecular structures examined by X-ray analysis and DFT calculations with the M05 functional revealed diamond prism structures with intramolecular contacts between facing anthracenes at ca. 3.5 Å. Restricted dynamic processes between the diamond forms were observed by VT 1H NMR measurements of the cyclic tetramer with one diacetylene linker and the Cs symmetric isomer with two diacetylene linkers. The enantiomers of three chiral cyclic tetramers were resolved by spontaneous resolution or chiral HPLC, and their chiroptical properties were investigated by CD spectroscopy. Absorption and emission spectra and NMR chemical shifts of these oligomers are discussed in terms of the molecular structures.
Self-Consistent Cluster Approximation Analysis of the OH Stretching Bands of Methanol in the Liquid State
Authors: Kanesaka Isao
Published: August 2009

The isotropic and anisotropic Raman spectra and the infrared spectrum of O–H stretching bands of CH3OH in the liquid state are analyzed on the basis of a self-consistent cluster theory based on Green’s function. The observed spectra are explained well in terms of three clusters constructed by combining two intrinsic modes. The probability of the higher and lower intrinsic modes is 0.28 and 0.72, respectively. Two intrinsic modes derived are 3425.5 and 3320.1 cm−1, where the former is recognized for the first time, and they are assigned to a H-bonded OH stretching perturbed by an OH stretching in the other chain or a Y junction and that remains unperturbed, respectively. A weak band at 3529.2 cm−1 found also for the first time is assigned to a local mode in a chain end. Overtones of the OH stretching are satisfactorily explained by fundamentals derived here. The molecules in a chain are evaluated to be 17 with mainly a tetrahedral configuration about the H-bond. In a symmetric cluster a line shape of component bands is asymmetric and their peak positions and bandwidths are discussed with a boundary parameter.
Quasi-Classical Trajectory Dynamics Study on the Reaction of H with HO2
Authors: Mousavipour Seyed Hosein , Yousefiasl Issa
Published: August 2009

Quasi-classical trajectory (QCT) simulations, based on our previously reported PES data (Bull. Chem. Soc. Jpn.2007, 80, 1901) were carried out to study the dynamics of the lowest singlet potential energy surface of H + HO2 reaction. The surface consists of two potential wells due to formation of water oxide (H2OO*) and hydrogen peroxide (HOOH*). A detailed consideration of the dynamics of the intermediates H2OO* and HOOH* reveals that water oxide and hydrogen peroxide geometries, largely undergo asymmetric or symmetric stretching like motions until they dissociate. The QCT calculations revealed that the reaction is very sensitive to the vibrational excitation of HO2. In general, QCT integral, reactive reaction cross-sections and rate constants are found to be in good agreement with their QM and experimental counterparts, indicating that, for this system, the motion of the nuclei during reactive encounters is largely classical and that quantum effects, such as tunneling, play a relatively minor role in the overall dynamics. The intramolecular vibrational energy redistribution (IVR) involving excitation of the OH and OO bonds in HOOH is investigated. The calculated IVR time constants describing energy flow out of the OH and OO stretching modes are reported. It is found that calculated IVR time constants decrease exponentially with increasing the amount of energy put in the relevant modes.
Electronic Structure of Yttrium and Carbon Atoms Encapsulated Metallofullerenes, Y2C2@C82: Ultraviolet Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Theoretical Calculation
Authors: Hino Shojun , Miyazaki Takafumi , Aoki Yusuke , Wanita Norihiko , Kato Masayuki , Sumii Ryohei , Akachi Takao , Inoue Takeshi , Ito Yasuhiro , Sugai Toshiki , Shinohara Hisanori
Published: August 2009

Ultraviolet photoelectron spectra (UPS) of two yttrium atoms and two carbon atoms encapsulated metallofullerenes, Y2C2@C82 were measured using a synchrotron radiation light source. Their upper valence band UPS differ significantly from each other, while the lower valence band ones are almost the same. The UPS of Y2C2@C82 (II) could be well reproduced by simulated spectra obtained with a Gaussian 03 program module assuming a distorted Y2C2 tetragonal form in C2v C82 cage structure.
Semiquantal Valence-Bond Wave Packet Description of Chemical Bonding
Authors: Ando Koji
Published: August 2009

A semiquantal wave packet modeling of electrons in chemical bonding is presented. It is based on the valence bond (VB) theory with non-orthogonal floating and breathing spherical Gaussian orbitals, simplified to treat many electrons by decoupled electron pair approximations (DPA) and core pseudopotentials (CPP). The extended Hamiltonian formalism offers pictorial interpretation and analysis in the extended phase space of the wave packet center and width coordinates. The numerical calculations are demonstrated on the ground state potential energy surfaces of H2, LiH, and BeH2. For LiH, the perfect-pairing VB (VB-PP) calculation with the minimal orbitals gives an accurate potential energy curve of comparable quality with a correlated ab initio calculation. The two-electron VB calculation with a CPP underestimates the binding energy but gives qualitatively correct potential energy curves. For BeH2, the VB-PP with CPP gives reasonably accurate potential energy surface along both the stretching and bending coordinates. A few versions of DPA are developed and assessed, aiming toward large scale dynamic simulations. A scaling ansatz is introduced and examined on the bonding potential energy surfaces. The efficacy of the theory for studying linear and nonlinear electronic polarizations is also illustrated via an analysis of potential energy surfaces in the extended phase space.
A Novel Bi-Metal NiIICdII Supramolecular Structure with 4-Hydroxypyridine Ligands, [{CdII(4-OHpy)2}{NiII(CN)4}], and Deprotonated 3-Hydroxypyridine Ligands, [{CdII3(3-O−py)2(mea)2}{NiII(CN)4}2]
Authors: Kosone Takashi , Suzuki Yusuke , Kitazawa Takafumi
Published: August 2009

Synthesis and crystal structures of new bimetallic polynuclear complexes in 2-dimensional (2D) architectures, [{CdII(4-OHpy)2}{NiII(CN)4}] (4-OHpy = 4-hydroxypyridine) (1) and [{CdII3(3-O−py)2(mea)2}{NiII(CN)4}2] (3-O−py = pyridin-3-onato anion, mea = monoethanolamine) (2) are described. These compounds are prepared by the same method. However, hydroxypyridine ligands are different, thus these structures differ.
Photolabile Protecting Group Bonded to Aminopropyl Silica-Gel Beads
Authors: Matsumoto Jin , Senda Yoshiya , Masuda Hiroki , Fuchikawa Tomokazu , Shiragami Tsutomu , Yasuda Masahide
Published: August 2009

4,5-Dimethoxy-2-nitrobenzyloxycarbonyl group acting as a photolabile protecting group was bonded on 3-aminopropyl silica gels through a covalent bond in a 46% yield. The deprotection was performed under UV-irradiation. The resulting amino group was analyzed through the use of a confocal laser-scanning microscope using 4-(10,15,20-triphenylporphyrinyl)phenyl fluorophore.
Raman Spectra of Isotope-substituted Mitochondria of Living Budding Yeast Cells: Possible Origin of the “Raman Spectroscopic Signature of Life”
Authors: Onogi Chikao , Torii Hajime , Hamaguchi Hiro-o
Published: August 2009

The 13C and 2H isotope substitution effects have been examined for the “Raman spectroscopic signature of life,” a mitochondrial Raman band at 1602 cm−1 that sharply reflects the metabolic activity of living yeast cells. The band shifts to 1542 cm−1 with 13C substitution and to 1599 cm−1 with 2H substitution. Normal mode analysis based on a DFT calculation suggests that it originates from a C=C double bond having no hydrogen atoms attached to the carbon atoms. The in-phase C=C stretch mode of ubisemiquinone radicals (CoQ and/or CoQH•) emerges as a strong candidate for the origin of the 1602 cm−1 band.
Importance Sampling for Weighted-Serve-the-Longest-Queue
Authors: Dupuis Paul , Leder Kevin , Wang Hui
Published: August 2009

This paper considers buffer overflow probabilities for stable queueing systems with one server and different classes of arrivals. The service priority is given to the class of customers whose current weighted queue size is the largest (weighted-serve-the-longest-queue policy). We explicitly identify the exponential decay rate for the rare-event probabilities of interest and construct asymptotically optimal importance-sampling schemes for simulation.
Stochastic Combinatorial Optimization with Controllable Risk Aversion Level
Authors: So Anthony Man-Cho , Zhang Jiawei , Ye Yinyu
Published: August 2009

Most of the recent work on 2-stage stochastic combinatorial optimization problems has focused on minimization of the expected cost or the worst-case cost of the solution. Those two objectives can be viewed as two extreme ways of handling risk. In this paper we propose to use a one-parameter family of functionals to interpolate between them. Although such a family has been used in the mathematical finance and stochastic programming literature before, its use in the context of approximation algorithms seems new. We show that under standard assumptions, a broad class of risk-adjusted 2-stage stochastic programs can be efficiently treated by the sample average approximation (SAA) method. In particular, our result shows that it is computationally feasible to incorporate some degree of robustness even when the underlying distribution can only be accessed in a black-box fashion. We also show that when combined with suitable rounding procedures, our result yields new approximation algorithms for many risk-adjusted 2-stage stochastic combinatorial optimization problems under the black-box setting.
A Fully Polynomial-Time Approximation Scheme for Single-Item Stochastic Inventory Control with Discrete Demand
Authors: Halman Nir , Klabjan Diego , Mostagir Mohamed , Orlin Jim , Simchi-Levi David
Published: August 2009

The single-item stochastic inventory control problem is to find an inventory replenishment policy in the presence of independent discrete stochastic demands under periodic review and finite time horizon. In this paper, we prove that this problem is intractable and design for it a fully polynomial-time approximation scheme.
Optimal Baggage-Limit Policy: Airline Passenger and Cargo Allocation
Authors: Wong Wai Hung , Zhang Anming , Van Hui Yer , Leung Lawrence C.
Published: August 2009

Although air carriers derive revenue from both passengers and cargo, the majority of the literature on airline management has focused on passengers. With the rapid growth in air freight, more studies are needed to examine the growing impact of air freight on air transportation. This paper addresses the optimal baggage-limit policy for airlines. Because much of the cargo is currently transported in the residual aircraft belly space after all of the passenger baggage has been enplaned, it is important for carriers to plan passenger and cargo levels together when setting passenger baggage limits. We formulate this problem as a variant of the price-dependent multi-item newsvendor model with weight-volume capacity constraints. The effects of baggage weight, prices, and costs on the number of passengers and amount of cargo carried are studied. Based on the model and carriers' existing practice, we develop several illustrative cases. Our findings suggest that airlines may be able to increase profits with significant reductions in passenger baggage limits for large aircraft.
The Clustered Prize-Collecting Arc Routing Problem
Authors: Aráoz Julián , Fernández Elena , Franquesa Carles
Published: August 2009

Prize-collecting arc routing problems are arc routing problems where, in addition to the cost function, there is a profit function on the edges that must only be taken into account the first time that an edge is traversed. This work presents the clustered prize-collecting arc routing problem where there are clusters of arcs and it is required that all or none of the edges of a cluster be serviced. The paper studies properties and dominance conditions used for formulating the problem as a linear integer program. An exact algorithm for finding an optimal solution to the problem is also proposed. At the root node of the enumeration tree, the algorithm generates upper and lower bounds obtained from solving an iterative linear programming-based algorithm in which violated cuts are generated when possible. A simple heuristic that generates feasible solutions provides lower bounds at each iteration. The numerical results from a series of computational experiments with various types of instances illustrate the good behavior of the algorithm. Over 75% of the instances were solved at the root node, and the remaining instances were solved with a small additional computational effort.
Identification of collagen IV derived danger/alarm signals in insect immunity by nanoLC-FTICR MS
Authors: Altincicek Boran , Berisha Arton , Mukherjee Krishnendu , Spengler Bernhard , Römpp Andreas , Vilcinskas Andreas
Published: August 2009

The immune system can be stimulated by microbial molecules as well as by endogenously derived danger/alarm signals of host origin. Using the lepidopteran model insect Galleria mellonella, we recently discovered that fragments of collagen IV, resulting from hydrolysis by microbial metalloproteinases, represent danger/alarm signals in insects. Here, we characterized immune-stimulatory peptides generated by thermolysin-mediated degradation of collagen IV using nanospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR MS) after separation by nanoscale liquid chromatography (nanoLC). The combination of FTICR MS analysis and de novo peptide sequencing resulted in the identification of 38 specific collagen IV fragments of which several peptides included the integrin-binding motif RGD/E known from numerous mammalian immune-related proteins. Custom-synthesized peptides corresponding either to the presently identified collagen peptide GIRGEHyp or to a well-known integrin-binding RGD peptide (GRGDS) were injected into G. mellonella to determine their immune-stimulatory activities in vivo. Both peptides stimulated immune cells and systemically the expression of lysozyme and a specific inhibitor of microbial metalloproteinases. Further examination using specific MAP kinase inhibitors indicated that MEK/ERK and p38 are involved in RGD/E-mediated immune-signaling pathways, whereas JNK seems to play only a minor role.
Auf dem Weg zu einer generischen Architektur für die adaptive Mensch-Maschine-Interaktion im KraftfahrzeugTowards a Generic Adaptability Framework for Automotive HMI
Authors: Heimgärtner Rüdiger
Published: August 2009

Die Reduktion der mentalen Belastung des Fahrers in gefährlichen Verkehrssituationen erfordert eine automatische Anpassung der Mensch-Maschine-Interaktion (MMI) im Kraftfahrzeug (KFZ). Überdies kann die funktionale Komplexität heutiger Fahrerinformations- und Fahrerassistenzsysteme ohne den Einsatz adaptiver Mechanismen vom Fahrer alleine auf manuelle Art und Weise nicht mehr bewältigt werden. Im globalen Kontext wird auch eine Anpassung an kulturelle Unterschiede in der MMI gefordert. Dazu müssen die kulturellen Präferenzen der Benutzergruppen ermittelt werden. Adaptive Systeme im KFZ sollten ihr Look und Feel automatisch an die Bedürfnisse des Fahrers sowie an die Fahrsituation anpassen, welche jeweils kulturellen Rahmenbedingungen unterliegen.Die umsichtige Gestaltung einer entsprechenden Architektur für derartige adaptive Systeme unter Verwendung von Methoden interkulturellen Usability Engineerings kann dazu beitragen, die Probleme, welche aus adaptiven Mechanismen entstehen, zu bewältigen. Dazu wird der Weg der Architekturgenerierung hin zu einem generischen Adaptivitäts-Framework (GAF) für die MMI im KFZ aufgezeigt.
Was bringt ein Pageflip in Online-Katalogen dem Produktmarketing?What′s in it for Product Marketing when Using a Pageflip in Online-Catalogues?
Authors: Schulte Frank P. , Heineken Edgar , Gall Simon
Published: August 2009

Produktkataloge spielen im Online-Marketing eine wichtige Rolle. Welchen Effekt ein ”Pageflip“ bei der Darbietung von Information in Online-Katalogen auf die Verarbeitung der Kataloginhalte hat, wird in einem Online-Experiment untersucht. Der Pageflip erlaubt es dem User, jede Seite im Katalog durch eine Drag and Drop-Mausgeste umzublättern, wobei das Umblättern der Seite gleichzeitig visuell rückgemeldet wird. An einer Stichprobe von 210 Versuchsteilnehmern wird in einer zweifaktoriellen Zufallsgruppenanordnung ermittelt, welchen Effekt die Visualisierung des Umblätterns (mit und ohne Visualisierung) auf der einen Seite und die Art des aktiven Umblätterns (Umblättern per Mausklick und Umblättern per Drag and Drop) auf der anderen Seite auf das Behalten der Kataloginhalte hat. Die erhobenen Daten zeigen, dass beide Faktoren die Verarbeitung der Kataloginformation fördern und dass Kataloginhalte deutlich besser behalten werden, wenn sie in einem Online-Katalog mit Pageflip als in einem herkömmlichen Online-Katalog mit statischen Seiten dargeboten werden. Die Befunde werden im Zusammenhang mit der effektiveren Enkodierung der featurereichen Pageflip-Seiten und der mit dem aktiven Umblättern der Seiten verbundenen Aktivierung von Aufmerksamkeitsressourcen diskutiert.
Analysis of activin/TGFB-signaling modulators within the normal and dysfunctional adult human testis reveals evidence of altered signaling capacity in a subset of seminomas
Authors: Dias Vinali L , Rajpert-De Meyts Ewa , McLachlan Robert , Loveland Kate Lakoski
Published: August 2009

Activin is a pleiotropic growth factor belonging to the transforming growth factor-β (TGFB) superfamily of signaling molecules. Regulated activin signaling is known to influence several steps in rodent male gamete differentiation. TGFB ligand isoforms, TGFB1–B3, also influence germ cell survival in the rodent testis at the onset of spermatogenesis and around the time of puberty. Given the importance of regulated activin and TGFB signaling in testis development and function, we sought to investigate the cellular production sites of activin/TGFB-signaling modulators in normal and dysfunctional adult human testes samples. Signaling transducers phosphorylated SMAD2/3, and signaling modulators SMAD6, MAN-1, inhibin α (INHA), and β-glycan were detected in Bouins fixed, paraffin–embedded adult human testis sections using immunohistochemistry. Additional samples examined were from testicular cancer patients and from normal men subjected to gonadotropin suppression with androgen-based contraceptives. Our findings identify distinct differences between normal and gonadotropin-deprived human testis in the expression and cellular localization of activin/TGFB-signaling modulators. The presence of a nuclear phosphorylated SMAD2/3 signal in all analyzed seminoma specimens indicated active activin/TGFB signaling. Moreover, a subset of seminoma specimens exhibited selective enhanced expression of β-glycan (4 out of 28 seminoma tumors), INHA (6 out of 28), and MAN-1 (6 out of 28), highlighting potential functional differences between individual tumors in their capacity to regulate activin/TGFB signaling. Within the heterogenous nonseminomas, expression of signaling modulators was variable and reflected the degree of somatic differentiation. Thus, synthesis of activin and TGFB-signaling modulators may be affected by spermatogenic disruption and altered hormone levels in the testis.
Does carbohydrate deficient transferrin have diagnostic value in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease?
Authors: Fraenkel Emil , Szabó György , Lengyel Gabriella , Jarčuška Peter , Lazúrová Ivica , Dinya Elek , Fehér János
Published: August 2009

A nem alkoholos zsírmáj (NAFLD) szerzett metabolikus májbetegség, amely a májsejtekben a trigliceridek lerakódása következtében jön létre és együtt jár nekrobiotikus gyulladásos reakcióval, fibrosissal és akár májcirrhosissal. Alkoholos eredetű zsírmájtól (AFLD) való elkülönítése néha gondot okoz. Az anamnézis ismeretében ez egyszerűbb, de ha az egyén az alkoholfogyasztásra vonatkozóan nem nyilatkozik, az elkülönítés nehézségbe ütközhet.
Célkitűzés:
Célunk volt a szénhidrátszegény transzferrin (CDT) meghatározása nem alkoholos zsírmájban szenvedő betegeknél, valamint a vizsgálat során észlelt kiugró értékek elemzése a betegek anamnézise alapján.
Betegek és módszerek:
A vizsgált csoportot 39 beteg alkotta, akiknél a hasi ultrahangvizsgálat a zsírmájra jellemző alaki eltérést mutatott. Közülük 21 nőbeteg és 18 férfi beteg volt. A betegeknél a CDT mérésén kívül meghatároztuk a testtömegindex- (BMI-) értéket és a HOMA-indexet.
Eredmények:
A betegek életkorában nem találtunk szignifikáns eltérést a nemek között. A CDT átlagértéke 2,39±0,52% volt, a férfiaknál 2,51±0,61, a nőknél 2,28±0,4; a nemek szerinti csoportfelosztásnál nem találtunk szignifikáns eltérést a csoportok között. A CDT-értékek eloszlása normális mintázatot mutatott. A BMI a túlsúlyosság tartományába esett, és ennél az értéknél sem volt szignifikáns eltérés a nemek között.
Következtetés:
Eredményeink alapján is valószínűsíthető, hogy az NAFLD és az AFLD a CDT% értéke alapján is elkülöníthető, és ez az érték a gamma-glutamil-transzpeptidáz értékénél specifikusabb markernek tekinthető, de esetében is fontos az anamnézis, az egyéb tényezők figyelembevétele és a lehető legtüzetesebb tisztázása.
Outcome of somatostatin analogue treatment in acromegaly
Authors: Mondok Ágnes , Tóth Miklós , Patócs Attila , Szücs Nikolette , Igaz Péter , Pusztai Péter , Czirják Sándor , Bekő Gabriella , Gláz Edit , Rácz Károly , Tulassay Zsolt
Published: August 2009

Az acromegalia kezelésére rendelkezésre álló lehetőségek közül a gyógyszeres, elsősorban szomatosztatinanalógokkal történő kezelés jelentősége az utóbbi évtizedben számottevően megnőtt.
Célok:
Jelen közlemény a Semmelweis Egyetem Általános Orvostudományi Karának, II. Sz. Belgyógyászati Klinikáján az elmúlt 10 évben acromegalia miatt szomatosztatinanalóg kezelésben részesült betegek kezelési eredményeit foglalja össze.
Betegek és módszerek:
A szerzők 1–7 éven keresztül (átlag±SE 3,1±0,3 év) szomatosztatinanalóg kezelésben részesülő 32 acromegaliás betegben (26 nő és 6 férfi) a szérum-növekedésihormon (GH) és az inzulinszerű növekedési faktor-1 (IGF-1) koncentrációját, valamint MR-vizsgálattal a hypophysisadenoma méretének változását elemezték. Primer szomatosztatinanalóg kezelést 10 beteg (7 nő és 3 férfi) kapott, előzetes műtét után 15 beteg (14 nő és 1 férfi), előzetes műtét és sugárkezelés után 7 beteg (5 nő és 2 férfi) részesült szomatosztatinanalóg kezelésben.
Eredmények:
A szomatosztatinanalóg kezelés bevezetése után 3 hónappal mind a szérum-GH-, mind a kor és nem szerinti referenciatartomány felső határához viszonyított relatív IGF-1-értékek szignifikánsan csökkentek, majd a kezelés további időtartama alatt kisebb átmeneti változásoktól eltekintve a 3 hónap után elért csökkent szinten maradtak. A szérum-GH 15,7±4,9 ng/ml szintről a kezelés végére 5,5±1,4 ng/ml értékre, a relatív IGF-1 204±14%-ról 135±12%-ra csökkent. A kezelés hatékonyságát nem befolyásolta a szomatosztatinanalóg alkalmazását megelőző műtéti vagy műtéti és sugárkezelés. A kezelés végén a betegek 36,7%-ában észleltek biztonságos (<2,5 ng/ml) szérum-GH-szintet, míg a relatív IGF-1-érték a betegek 41,4%-ában érte el a célértéket (<100%). Az MR-vizsgálat a betegek 46%-ában mutatott ki hypophysisdaganat-regressziót, progressziót egyetlen esetben sem észleltek.
Következtetések:
A szomatosztatinanalóg kezelés hatékony kezelési lehetőséget jelent azoknál az acromegaliás betegeknél, akiknél primer hypophysisműtét a társuló betegségek, illetve szövődmények miatt nem végezhető, vagy a műtét (és sugárkezelés) ellenére a betegség aktivitása fennmarad, vagy a betegség kiújul.
Post vaccination rotavirus surveillance in Hungary, in 2007
Authors: László Brigitta , Czellár Edina , Deák Judit , Juhász Ágnes , Kovács Julianna , Kónya József , Mészáros Júlia , Mészner Zsófia , Mihály Ilona , Molnár Péter , Nyúl Zoltán , Pátri László , Puskás Erzsébet , Schneider Ferenc , Siffel Csaba , Tóth András , Tóth Erzsébet , Szűcs György , Bányai Krisztián
Published: August 2009

A rotavírusok okozta gyermekkori akut gastroenteritisek megelőzésében a vakcináció játssza a főszerepet. Az új generációjú rotavírus-vakcinák bevezetése, illetve piaci megjelenése óta a vadvírus-surveillance világszerte még fontosabbá vált. Jelen tanulmányban a magyarországi posztvakcinációs törzsmonitorozás első évének eredményeit ismertetik a szerzők. A 2007-ben gyűjtött, rotavírust tartalmazó székletmintákból kivont virális RNS genotipizálása multiplex PCR segítségével történt. A szerzők a VP7 gén esetében G1–G4, G6, G8–G10 és G12 típusokra, a VP4 gén esetében pedig P[4], P[6], és P[8]–P[11] típusokra specifikus primereket alkalmaztak. A 482 betegtől származó 489 rotavírus-pozitív székletmintából 466 esetében sikerült a G típust, és 474 mintában a P típust azonosítani. Összesen 457 törzs esetében volt sikeres mindkét felszíni antigén genotípusának meghatározása. A vizsgált időszakban a G4P[8] törzsek voltak túlsúlyban (31,5%), ezeket követték a G1P[8] (28,3%), G2P[4] (19,3%) és G9P[8] (10,2%) genotípusok. A gyakori törzstípusok mellett ritka antigén-kombinációkat is sikerült azonosítani: G1P[4] (0,4%), G2P[8] (1,3%), G3P[9] (0,2%), G4P[6] (0,7%), G6P[9] (0,4%) és G12P[8] (0,4%). A G8P[8] (0,2%), G9P[4] (0,2%) és G9P[6] (0,8%) genotípusok 2007-ben első alkalommal kerültek felismerésre hazánkban. A minták kis hányadában (1,2%) kevert fertőzést lehetett igazolni. A nem tipizálható törzsek aránya 4,9% volt. A Magyarországon cirkuláló, klinikailag fontos rotavírustörzsek a vizsgálat adatai szerint szinte teljes átfedést mutatnak a vakcinákban is megtalálható antigéntípusokkal. A következő évek surveillance-eredményei számos nyitott kérdésre adhatnak választ, köztük tisztázhatják a máig ellentmondásos szerotípus-specifikus (homotípusos) vagy a heterotípus-specifikus védettség elsődlegességét.
Investigation of the Adhesion of Electroless Copper to Glass Substrates
Authors: Cui Xiaoyun , Hutt David A. , Conway Paul P.
Published: August 2009

This paper reports the effect of a Pd/Sn catalyst treatment process on the adhesion of electroless copper deposited onto a glass substrate. Adhesion of the copper varied with catalyst treatment time: short or extended catalyst immersion times led to lower adhesion. In this work silanisation of the glass surface with (3-aminopropyl)-trimethoxysilane was used to provide a layer of functional molecules to assist the adhesion of the Pd/Sn catalyst. Surface analysis of the catalyzed glass was carried out by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and together with Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry, showed that the Pd/Sn structures changed with increasing immersion time in the catalyst bath. The Pd XPS core level peaks indicated that Pd(0) became more significant in the catalyst layer than Pd(II) with increasing immersion time. Tape peel testing was used to assess the adhesion of the coatings: thin layers adhered well to the glass, but for layers thicker than 160 nm tape tests removed large areas. The failure surfaces of copper layers peeled off the glass were also examined by XPS which indicated that the failure occurred between the copper and catalyst.
Influence of Structure on the Magnetism of Fe1-xAlx Alloys
Authors: Apiñaniz Estibaliz , Martín-Rodriguez Damian , Legarra Estibaliz , Garitaonandia J. Javier Saiz , Plazaola Fernando
Published: August 2009

With the aim of studying the relationship between structure and magnetism of Fe1-xAlx alloys, annealed and as-crushed samples with 0.25x0.425 been studied. X-rays and Mössbauer spectra show that the nearest neighborhood of each Fe atom plays a major role when determining the magnetic behavior of each Fe atom. In fact, these techniques allow us to determine in which surroundings these Fe atoms will behave paramagnetically. On the other hand, the influence of the lattice parameter has also been studied.
Dissipative Particle Dynamics Studies on the Self-Assembling Dynamics of the Peptide Amphiphiles
Authors: Seki Taiga , Arai Noriyoshi , Ozawa Taku , Shimada Tomoko , Yasuoka Kenji , Hotta Atsushi
Published: August 2009

A coarse-grained model of peptide amphiphiles (PA) dissolved in aqueous solution was presented, where the effects of PA concentration, temperature and shear stress upon the self-assembly of PA were numerically studied by dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulation. We technically investigate the repulsion parameter aHW which indicates the repulsion force between the hydrophilic head of PA and water molecules, hence, at the same time, indicating the change in temperature. It was found that aHW played an important role in the self-assembly dynamics and in the resulting micro-structures of PA. By imposing shear strain on the simulation system, the formation of wormlike PA micelles was accelerated. The simulation results were in good agreement with our previous experimental results and the mechanism of shear-induced transition was proposed.
Wavelength Selective Emitting Materials Using High-Temperature Photonic Structures
Authors: Kim Yong Sung , Lin Shawn-Yu
Published: August 2009

Recently, wavelength selective emitting materials have attracted extensive interest due to their potential of high optical-to-electricity conversion efficiency for thermal photovoltaic (TPV) cells and realizing high efficient incandescent light sources. A substantial increase in spectral control over thermal radiation and photon recycling can accomplish this objective by the development of high-temperature photonic structures (HTPS) that simultaneously suppress unwanted radiation and enhance emission in a desirable wavelength range. In this paper, we shall review the properties of HTPS as a wavelength selective emitter, the radiative energy transfer relation in real devices, and photon recycling scheme using wavelength selective filters.
Development of THM Growth Technology for CdTe Radiation Detectors and the Applications
Authors: Funaki Minoru , Shiraki Hiroyuki , Tamaki Mitsuru , Mito Yoshio , Ohno Ryoichi
Published: August 2009

4 Nines (99.99%) Cd and Te were purified to the semiconductor grade 6 Nines ∼ 7 Nines purity materials by the distillation and the zone melting processes, in order to be used for the growth of CdTe single crystal. The CdTe single crystal of 100 mm in diameter and 18kg in weight was successfully grown by the traveling heater method (THM). The shape of the growth interface had the key role for the single crystal growth. The distribution of the Te inclusion size was measured by IR microscopy. The uniformity of mobility-lifetime products and energy resolution in the wafer were also evaluated. The CdTe X-ray flat panel detector (FPD) was developed using the THM grown CdTe single crystal wafer. The CdTe pixel detectors with 100 mm pixel pitch were flip-chip bonded with the C-MOS readout ASIC and lined up on the print circuit board to cover the active area of 77 mm × 39 mm. The evaluation results showed that the CdTe X-ray FPD is promising as the imager for the non-destructive testing.
Recent Advances in THM CZT for Nuclear Radiation Detection
Authors: Mackenzie Jason , Chen Henry , Awadalla Salah A , Marthandam Pramodha , Redden Bob , Bindley Glenn , He Zhong , Black D. R. , Duff Martine , Amman Mark , Lee J. S. , Luke Paul , Groza M , Burger A
Published: August 2009

The introduction of large single crystal and high performance CdZnTe (CZT) grown by the traveling heater method (THM) in 2006 has defied conventional myths about the capability of this crystal growth method with respect to the production of spectroscopic grade CZT and its commercialization prospect in medical imaging application. Since then, a lot of progresses have been made, both in the crystal growth and the devices sides. This paper focuses on the development of THM CZT in recent years. Crystalline defects which challenge the thickness scalability of large volume CZT detectors along with efforts and achievements in overcoming these challenges are discussed. Advances in THM CZT crystal growth include 100mm diameter ingot and state-of-the-art device fabrication will also be presented.
Thermal Effects of Colloidal Suspensions of Au Nanoparticles
Authors: Carlson Michael T. , Barton Tyler S. , Tandler Peter J. , Richardson Hugh H. , Govorov Alexander O.
Published: August 2009

The thermo-optical properties of gold nanoparticles suspended in liquid water droplets have been explored. A water droplet containing suspended gold nanoparticles was irradiated with a laser beam and the efficiency of light-to-heat conversion (η) was determined. Heat generated by the optically stimulated nanoparticles was found to dissipate through several mechanisms. Convection currents were observed visually inside the droplet by the addition of silica beads (˜3-10 micrometers). This was determined to be the dominant mechanism of stirring within the droplet.
Integration of a Silicon Nanowire Array into a Photovoltaic Device
Authors: Perraud Simon , Poncet Séverine , Noël Sébastien , Marko Hakim , Rouvière Emmanuelle , Thony Philippe , Delsol Régis
Published: August 2009

Silicon nanowire arrays grown by chemical vapour deposition were successfully integrated into functional photovoltaic devices. A crucial planarization step, achieved by embedding the nanowires in a spin-on glass matrix and subsequent polishing of the front surface, allowed to deposit a continuous and uniform conductive film on top of the nanowire array, and thus to form a high-quality front electrical contact. The silicon nanowire array solar cells fabricated using this process exhibited a parasitic series resistance as low as 5 Ω.cm2, which is a clear improvement compared to the recent literature.
Novel Highly Potential Initiators for the Two-Photon-Induced Photopolymerization Process
Authors: Pucher Niklas , Satzinger Valentin , Rosspeintner Arnulf , Gescheidt Georg , Schmidt Volker , Stampfl Jürgen , Liska Robert
Published: August 2009

The development of new optimized photoinitiators for the two-photon induced photopolymerization (TPIP) is essential in order to obtain high resolutions in this solid freeform fabrication process. Herein, we present the syntheses and characterizations of a series of efficient photoinitiators, comprising of a cross conjugated D-π-A-π-D system. The different donor- and acceptor functionalities of the investigated photoinitiators as well as the synthesis of targeted derivatives containing double and triple bonds in the conjugated backbone allowed the evaluation of structure-activity relationships. The basic photophysical properties as well as the activity and ideal processing window under TPIP conditions were investigated for each initiator and compared with typical commercially available one-photon initiator and with two highly potential initiators well known from literature. These tests figured out that the new chromophores are highly potential even at concentrations down to 0.05 wt%.