bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trauma, attempted suicide, and morning cortisol in a community sample of adolescents
Authors: Young Robert
Published: April 2010

Individuals exposed to trauma or who have attempted suicide may show abnormal cortisol profiles; those exposed to significant trauma show reduced, while those who attempt suicide show increased cortisol output, although the evidence is inconsistent. This study explores the associations between morning cortisol, trauma, and suicide attempts or ideation among young people. In a community‐based sample of 501 15‐year‐olds, using data from a DSM‐IV‐compatible interview on suicidal‐behavior/ideation, trauma, and morning cortisol, we found no association between these factors and morning cortisol. A significant gender interaction was found for those threatened with a weapon—men showing a negative and women a positive association, suggesting that any cortisol/trauma association may be partially explained by coexisting behavioral problems and gender.
The impact of childhood abuse and combat‐related trauma on postdeployment adjustment
Authors: Fritch April M. , Mishkind Matt , Reger Mark A. , Gahm Gregory A.
Published: April 2010

This retrospective study examined the effects of childhood physical abuse (CPA) and combat‐related trauma on postdeployment psychiatric symptoms in an outpatient clinical sample of 1,045 U.S. service members. The authors conducted hierarchical multiple regression analyses to examine the impact of CPA and combat‐related trauma on alcohol use, anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Analyses revealed significant main effects for CPA and combat‐related trauma on anxiety, depression, and PTSD. In contrast, no interactive effects were observed. Findings support and expand current knowledge about the roles that CPA and combat trauma play in the development of psychiatric symptoms and suggest a more complex etiology for postdeployment symptomatology. Clinical implications and future research opportunities are discussed.
Finding yourself how social identity affects leadership
Authors: Ruderman Marian N. , Ernst Christopher
Published: April 2010

In today's increasingly volatile and complex organizational environment, it's as important as ever for leaders to understand themselves. But it's no longer enough for them to be aware of their capabilities, motivations, styles, and values. Leaders now must also gain knowledge of their social identities–their membership in certain social groups defined by categories such as gender, race, and religion and the implications of belonging to these groups.
Improvement in Hepatopulmonary Syndrome After Methadone Withdrawal: A Case Report with Implications For Disease Mechanism
Authors: Lau Edmund M. T. , McCaughan Geoffrey , Torzillo Paul J.
Published: April 2010

Spontaneous resolution of hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) without liver transplantation or improvement in the underlying liver disease has rarely been reported in the literature. Increased endogenous production of nitric oxide has been implicated in the pathogenesis of HPS. We report the case of a 50-year-old man with hepatitis C cirrhosis who demonstrated dramatic improvement in HPS after withdrawal from chronic methadone therapy. We speculate on the potential role of opiate receptors in the pulmonary vasculature and their effect on nitric oxide signaling as a potential mechanism accounting for the patient's clinical improvement. Liver Transpl 16:870–873, 2010. © 2010 AASLD.
Modelling the corrosion‐induced cracking of reinforced concrete structures exposed to the atmosphere
Authors: L'Hostis V. , Millard A. , Perrin S. , Burger E. , Neff D. , Dillmann P.
Published: April 2010

The prediction of concrete cracking due to corrosion in atmospheric/carbonated conditions is a major issue for the evaluation of the durability of structures and the choice of maintenance policies. Because of the complexity of the phenomenon, a fully predictive approach is still missing. The proposed work can be considered as one step in this direction. It deals with a modelling study achieved at the Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique (CEA) with the CAST3M finite elements software. Model is constituted of three components: (1) concrete hydric behaviour, (2) rebar corrosion and (3) mechanical consequences on concrete (mainly concrete cracking). Actual developments consider analogies between rebar corrosion mechanisms and atmospheric corrosion ones, assuming that corrosion processes are influenced by the relative humidity evolution of atmosphere and/or of concrete.
The comparison of the corrosion resistance of advanced ferromagnetic stainless steels by Mott–Schottky approach
Authors: Terada M. , Marques R. A. , Saliba‐Silva A. M. , Padilha A. F. , Costa I.
Published: April 2010

Ferromagnetic stainless steels (SSs) have been investigated as potential candidates for dental prosthesis applications in replacement of magnetic attachments made of noble and expensive alloys. In order to be used as biomaterials, their corrosion resistance has to be appropriate. The corrosion resistance of passive materials is related to the characteristics of the passive film formed and their properties might be investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), potentiodynamic polarization curves, and Mott–Schottky approach. The corrosion resistance and the capacitance of the passive films formed on PM2000, DIN 1.4575, and 17‐4 PH advanced SSs during 2 days of immersion in a phosphate buffered saline solution (PBS), at 25 °C and pH 7.0 were studied by electrochemical techniques. A commercial alloy Dyna EFM was also analyzed for comparison reasons. The results showed that films on tested materials behave as both n‐type and p‐type semiconductors and the PM2000 presented the highest corrosion resistance among all of them.
Praseodymium/Polyureasulfone Complexes with Unusual Thermal, Luminescent and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Ye Sunjie , Fang Li , Lu Yun , Lin Zhanru , Xue Gi
Published: April 2010

A soluble praseodymium complex was synthesized using a polymeric PUDS ligand. FTIR and Raman spectra suggest that the >NH lone pair in PUDS can interact with the Pr3+ centers. DSC results show that the coordination effect causes a significant increase of the phase transition temperature. The emission spectrum of Pr‐PUDS indicates an efficient energy transfer from the macromolecular ligand to the coordinated Pr3+ ion. The magnetic behavior as function of applied magnetic field or temperature (50–450 °C) and some unusual transitions in the M versus T plots are reported and discussed, which demonstrate that the magnetic properties of the Pr‐PUDS strongly depend on the phase transition.

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From PET Nanofibrils to Nanofibrillar Single‐Polymer Composites
Authors: Fakirov Stoyko , Duhovic Miro , Maitrot Philipp , Bhattacharyya Debes
Published: April 2010

The preparation of nanofibrillar composite (NFC) materials using single‐polymer nanofibrils as starting materials is described. Such a possibility is offered by (i) the concept of polymer/polymer NFCs, which have recently been manufactured and represent a further development in the field of microfibril‐reinforced composites, and (ii) the opportunity to isolate neat nanofibrils through selective dissolving of the second blend component. The resulting nanofibrillar single‐polymer composites are characterized by superior mechanical properties (the tensile modulus and strength are improved up to 350%), competing with glass‐fiber‐reinforced PET.

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Perceived justice of service recovery strategies: Impact on customer satisfaction and quality relationship
Authors: Vázquez‐Casielles Rodolfo , Suárez Álvarez Leticia , Díaz Martín Ana Maria
Published: April 2010

This article aims to build on previous research analyzing the effects of perceived justice on customers' satisfaction with service recovery and the attitudinal consequences of the recovery strategies firms adopt after service failures occur. The results obtained from a conceptual model developed for the mobile‐phone sector support the idea that justice perceptions positively influence satisfaction with service recovery. Other findings are that satisfaction with service recovery positively affects trust and commitment, and that these two variables, in turn, positively affect overall customer satisfaction. Finally, the results also suggest that positive past experiences mitigate the effects of inadequate service recovery strategies on the quality of the relationship with the customers. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Conjugated Copolymers Containing Low Bandgap Rhenium(I) Complexes
Authors: Mak Chris S. K. , Cheung Wai Kei , Leung Qing Yun , Chan Wai Kin
Published: April 2010

Conjugated copolymers with novel low bandgap rhenium(I) complexes on the polymer main‐chain are reported. The low bandgap metal‐containing polymers were synthesized by Suzuki cross‐coupling polycondensation or Stille coupling polymerization. The metal free copolymers are conjugatively‐linked with functionalized intramolecular charge transfer units, which exhibited prominent absorption band in the UV–vis region. These functionalized charge transfer units not only broadened the absorption spectrum, but also functioned as a bidentate ligand. Upon the complexation of rhenium(I) pentacarbonyl chloride, the absorption spectrum of the resulting polymers was further boardened, and the bandgap was reduced. The material design of this work has opened up a new approach in developing low bandgap metal‐containing polymers as light harvesting materials.

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Silacyclobutane‐Based Diblock Copolymers with Vinylferrocene, Ferrocenylmethyl Methacrylate, and [1]Dimethylsilaferrocenophane
Authors: Gallei Markus , Tockner Stefan , Klein Roland , Rehahn Matthias
Published: April 2010

Well‐defined diblock copolymers have been prepared in which three different ferrocene‐based monomers are combined with 1,1‐dimethylsilacyclobutane (DMSB) and 1‐methylsilacyclobutane, respectively, as their carbosilane counterparts. Optimized procedures are reported for the living anionic chain growth following sequential monomer addition protocols, ensuring narrow polydispersities and high blocking efficiencies. The DMSB‐containing copolymers show phase segregation in the bulk state, leading to micromorphologies composed of crystalline DMSB phases and amorphous polymetallocene phases.

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Similarities and Differences of the Active Sites in Basic and Advanced MgCl2‐Supported Ziegler‐Natta Propylene Polymerization Catalysts
Authors: Hiraoka Yuichi , Kim Sang Yull , Dashti Ali , Taniike Toshiaki , Terano Minoru
Published: April 2010

Though preparation procedures of heterogeneous Ziegler‐Natta catalysts for propylene polymerization are sophisticated, it is uncertain whether the nature of the active sites is similar or different for different preparation procedures. In this study, the effects of preparation procedures on the nature of the active sites were investigated by stopped‐flow polymerization in combination with microstructure analysis of polymers. Both basic and advanced types of catalysts showed the same two kinds of isospecific active site, which indicated little influence of the preparation method on the active site structure. On the contrary, the ratios of the two kinds of isospecific sites were not the same, resulting in variation of average polymer properties.

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Synthesis of Bimodal Polyethylene Using Ziegler‐Natta Catalysts by Multiple H2 Concentration Switching in a Single Slurry Reactor
Authors: Chen Xuelian , Liu Dongbing , Wang Hongtao
Published: April 2010

A simple, inexpensive and powerful method for synthesizing bimodal PE using Ziegler‐Natta catalysis by multiple switching of the H2 concentration in a single slurry reactor is reported. The effects of polymerization type, hydrogen concentration, reaction time distribution and switching times on the MWD are investigated. The results show that the MWD produced by forcibly removing the gas during the switching process are much broader than those of PEs produced by directed replacement. In addition, the former can prominently enhance the value of $\overline M _{\rm w} /\overline M _{\rm n}$ compared to conventional methods, showing an increase from 7 to 27. The MWDs obtained are bimodal for H2 concentrations ranging from 63 to 75 vol.‐% and have different shapes under different conditions.

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A Step Towards High‐Molecular‐Weight Living/Controlled Polystyrene Using SG1‐Mediated Polymerization
Authors: Lansalot Muriel , Guillaneuf Yohann , Luneau Benoit , Acerbis Sebastien , Dufils Pierre‐Emmanuel , Gaudel‐Siri Anouk , Gigmes Didier , Marque Sylvain R. A. , Tordo Paul , Bertin Denis
Published: April 2010

The synthesis of high‐molecular‐weight living/controlled polystyrene by NMP was studied. The combination of Ac2O and alkoxyamines based on nitroxides TEMPO, TIPNO, and SG1 was tested at 130 °C. With TEMPO and TIPNO, dipole/dipole interactions led to a decrease in nitroxide concentration and an acceleration of the reaction. To minimize thermal auto‐initiation and thus obtain high‐$\overline M _{\rm n}$ PS, the temperature was lowered. At 90 °C, the use of BlocBuilder yielded PS of $\overline M _{\rm n}$ = 210 000 g · mol−1 with a living fraction of 60%. Finally, new SG1‐based nitroxides were used to perform the polymerization at 75 °C. Since these nitroxides were too constrained, the decrease in kc caused a loss of control and livingness for high‐$\overline M _{\rm n}$ polymers.

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Second and first trimester estimation of risk for Down syndrome: implementation and performance in the SAFER study
Authors: MacRae Andrew R. , Chodirker Bernie N. , Davies Gregory A. , Palomaki Glenn E. , Knight George J. , Minett Jane , Kavsak Peter A. , Toi Ants , Chitayat David , Van Caeseele Paul G.
Published: April 2010

Objectives

Document patient choices and screening performance (false positive and detection rates) when three improved Down syndrome screening protocols were introduced coincidentally.

Method

Second‐trimester ‘triple marker’ screening was expanded by adding second‐trimester dimeric inhibin‐A (four‐marker), with or without first‐trimester pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (five‐marker). Nuchal translucency (NT) measurements were included when available from accredited sonographers (six‐marker). For assigning risk, two sets of marker distribution parameters were evaluated.

Results

Over 3.5 years, 8571 women enrolled (median age 30.6 years). Uptake of the four‐, five‐ and six‐marker protocols was 18%, 46% and 36%, respectively. Of those selecting an integrated test (five or six markers), 9.7% did not provide the second trimester serum sample. False positive rates decreased with added markers (5.2%, 5.1% and 2.5%, respectively) and varied between the two parameter sets, while detection remained high. Overall, 21 of 23 cases were detected (91%, 95% CI 73–98%) at a 4.2% false positive rate (95% CI 3.3–5.1%).

Conclusions

Integrated screening protocols were chosen 4.6 times more often than four‐marker screening (82% vs. 18% uptake). Overall detection was higher and false positives lower, consistent with recent guidelines. Important performance factors include gestational dating method, risk cut‐off, and the parameter set used to assign risk. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prediction of adverse pregnancy outcomes by combinations of first and second trimester biochemistry markers used in the routine prenatal screening of Down syndrome
Authors: Huang Tianhua , Hoffman Barry , Meschino Wendy , Kingdom John , Okun Nanette
Published: April 2010

Objective

To investigate the associations between four defined adverse pregnancy outcomes and levels of first and second trimester maternal serum markers focusing in particular on how well combinations of markers predict these adverse outcomes.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of associations between first and second trimester serum markers and adverse pregnancy outcomes among 141 698 women who underwent prenatal screening for Down syndrome in Ontario, Canada. Detection rates (DR), false positive rates (FPR), and odds ratios were estimated using both single and combinations of markers for the adverse outcomes defined.

Results

Women with decreased second trimester unconjugated oestriol (uE3), deceased first trimester maternal serum pregnancy‐associated plasma protein A (PAPP‐A), increased second trimester serum alpha fetoprotein (AFP), or increased second trimester total human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) were at greater risk of developing adverse pregnancy outcomes. At a 5% FPR, combinations of these markers predicted at best 33.3% of fetal loss and 31.5% of preterm births (PTB) before 32 weeks of gestation.

Conclusion

There are significant associations between the levels of first and second trimester serum markers and adverse obstetric outcomes. However, even combinations of these markers can only predict adverse obstetric outcomes with modest accuracy. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Postmarital follow‐up survey on high risk patients subjected to premarital screening program in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al Sulaiman Ayman , Saeedi Mohammad , Al Suliman Ahmed , Owaidah Tarek
Published: April 2010

Background

Haemoglobinopathies are the most inherited disorders worldwide including Saudi Arabia which can be preventable with application of screening programmers. Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia had initiated premarital screening program (PMS) in all country regions.

Methods

The aim of this study was to explore the impact of the PMS program and genetic counseling on couples at risk for thalassaemia and sickle cell anima in an area of the country with high hemoglobinopathy prevalence. A total of 129 candidates identified by PMS to be at risk were included.

Results

Out of this cohort, 98% proceeded with marriage. Culture pressure was the main reason in more than 48%. Over a period of 4 years, these marriages resulted in 15 diseased children. Although most of the candidates did not receive genetic counseling yet, the concept of genetic counseling was liked by most of them.

Conclusion

This study showed some early benefits of the PMS in prevention of the targeted diseases and the program helped in early detection of the disease in their offspring. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Concordance between prescriber‐ and patient‐reported previous medical history and NSAID indication in the CADEUS cohort
Authors: Fourrier‐Réglat Annie , Cuong Huynh Minh , Lassalle Régis , Depont Fanny , Robinson Philip , Droz‐Perroteau Cécile , Pariente Antoine , Bégaud Bernard , Blin Patrick , Moore Nicholas
Published: April 2010

Purpose

Various data sources may be used in pharmacoepidemiological studies. When they cannot be obtained from valid databases, medical data must be obtained from physicians or patients. In the CADEUS study, both patients and their prescribers reported medical data allowing investigation of the concordance between these sources.

Methods

CADEUS is a French national cohort study of traditional non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) and coxib users conducted between September 2003 and August 2004 in France that employed self‐administered questionnaires to obtain medical data from patients and their prescribers. The Kappa statistic (κ) was used to measure concordance between patients and prescribers in 18 530 pairs with regard to previous medical history and index NSAID indication.

Results

For previous medical history, the proportion of agreement ranged from 70.7 to 99.2% and concordance was: substantial (κ = 0.61–0.80) for hypertension, myocardial infarction, stroke and diabetes; moderate (κ = 0.41–0.60) for angina pectoris, peripheral arterial disease and hypercholesterolaemia; fair (κ = 0.21–0.40) for unstable angina, cardiac insufficiency, dyspepsia, gastroesophageal reflux and gastric ulcer; slight (κ < 0.21) for upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage. For index NSAID indication, the proportion of agreement ranged from 84.3 to 99.4% and concordance was almost perfect (κ = 0.81–1.00) for inflammatory rheumatism, flu‐like symptoms, dysmenorrhoea and dental pain; substantial for arthritis, back pain and headache; moderate for osteoarticular pain.

Conclusions

Concordance was better for specific or serious conditions both regarding previous medical history and indication. Prescriber or patient perception and understanding may reduce concordance for certain items. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Introducing water as a coblowing agent in the carbon dioxide extrusion foaming process for polystyrene thermal insulation foams
Authors: Yeh Shu‐Kai , Yang Jintao , Chiou Nan‐Rong , Daniel Tom , Lee L. James
Published: April 2010

In this study, water was used as a coblowing agent in the carbon dioxide (CO2) extrusion foaming process in a twin screw extruder. It enlarged cell size and thus lowered foam density for better thermal insulation. Different strategies have been studied including direct injection of water into the extruder with surfactants, extrusion foaming of water expandable polystyrene (WEPS) beads, and feeding water containing activated carbon (WCAC)/polystyrene (PS) pellets. It was found that WCAC/PS pellets provided the most stable and clean extrusion process, more uniform cell morphology, and better thermal insulation than other methods. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 50:1577–1584, 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Structure and properties of melt‐spun PET/MWCNT nanocomposite fibers
Authors: Mazinani Saeedeh , Ajji Abdellah , Dubois Charles
Published: April 2010

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) melt‐spun fibers were modified with multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) to obtain conductive microfibers smaller than 90 μm in diameter. Physical properties such as crystallinity and orientation of as‐spun fibers were studied by X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and microscopy techniques at different draw ratios (DR) and MWCNT concentrations. Morphological and orientation analysis of MWCNT after melt‐spinning process showed agglomerates formation and highly oriented CNTs. The study of the orientation of PET crystalline phase in drawn fibers proved that the addition of nanoparticles decreases the orientation of crystalline units inside the fibers. The orientation of MWCNT as well as that of PET chains was studied using Raman spectroscopy at different DR and a high degree of CNT orientation was observed under high DR conditions. Mechanical and electrical properties of as‐spun fibers were also investigated. Our results showed that it was possible to achieve conductive fibers at a MWCNT concentration of 2% w/w, and more conductive fibers using higher DR were also obtained without increasing the MWCNT concentration. Mechanical properties results showed interestingly high value of maximum tensile strain at break (εmax) of nanocomposite fibers, up to three times more than pure PET fibers. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 50:1956–1968, 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Influence of the metal centers of 2,6‐bis(imino)pyridyl transition metal complexes on ethylene polymerization/ oligomerization catalytic activities
Authors: Su Biyun , Feng Guoxian
Published: April 2010

Much work on bis(imino)pyridyl complexes with Fe(II) and Co(II) as ethylene polymerization catalysts has been reported in terms of designing new analogous ligands, while little work has been dedicated to the study of the effect of the metal center on catalyst performance. A series of bis(imino)pyridyl‐MCl2 (M = Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II)) transition metal complexes were synthesized, for which single crystals of the Co(II) and Cu(II) complexes were obtained. The crystal structures indicated that these complexes had similar coordination geometries. Being applied to ethylene polymerization at 25 °C and employing 500 equiv. of methylaluminoxane as co‐catalyst, the complexes with Fe(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) centers showed, respectively, catalytic activities of 1.25 × 106 g (mol Fe)−1 h−1 Pa for ethylene polymerization, and 3.98 × 105 g (mol Co)−1 h−1 Pa and 5.13 × 103 g (mol Ni)−1 h−1 Pa for ethylene oligomerization. In contrast, the complexes with Cu(II) and Zn(II) centers were inactive. Crystal structure data showed that the coordination interactions provided a comparatively reliable quantification of the selectivity of the bis(imino)pyridyl ligand for the studied metal ions, which was in reasonable agreement with the Irving–Williams list. Moreover, for the Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes, the strong coordination bonds and small N(imino)MN(imino) angles were unfavorable for several steps in the mechanism, such as ethylene coordination to the metal center, ethylene migratory insertion and olefin chain growth. All of these will reduce the speed of the overall reaction, indicating a decrease of catalytic efficiency in a given period. The poor activity of the Zn(II) complex for ethylene polymerization may be related to the reduction process by the alkylating agent. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of covalent bonds on the mechanical properties of a multi‐walled carbon nanotube/cellulose composite
Authors: Yun Sungryul , Kang Kwang Sun , Kim Jaehwan
Published: April 2010

A multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/cellulose composite was synthesized to improve the mechanical strength of regenerated cellulose film. N,N‐carbonyldiimidazole was mixed with functionalized MWCNTs and sonicated at 60 °C for 12 h. The resulting MWCNT‐imidazolide was mixed with cellulose solution, and reacted at various temperatures for various times. The occurrence of covalent bonds between MWCNTs and cellulose was investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. According to mechanical tensile tests, Young's modulus of the MWCNT/cellulose composite was found to be 11.2 GPa, an increase of approximately 110% with respect to regenerated cellulose film. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Copper stress proteomics highlights local adaptation of two strains of the model brown alga Ectocarpus siliculosus
Authors: Ritter Andrés , Ubertini Martin , Romac Sarah , Gaillard Fanny , Delage Ludovic , Mann Aaron , Cock J. Mark , Tonon Thierry , Correa Juan A. , Potin Philippe
Published: April 2010

Ectocarpus siliculosus is a cosmopolitan brown alga with capacity to thrive in copper enriched environments. Analysis of copper toxicity was conducted in two strains of E. siliculosus isolated from (i) an uncontaminated coast in southern Peru (Es32) and (ii) a copper polluted rocky beach in northern Chile (Es524). Es32 was more sensitive than Es524, with toxicity detected at 50 μg/L Cu, whereas Es524 displayed negative effects only when exposed to 250 μg/L Cu. Differential soluble proteome profiling for each strain exposed to sub‐lethal copper levels allowed to identify the induction of proteins related to processes such as energy production, glutathione metabolism as well as accumulation of HSPs. In addition, the inter‐strain comparison of stress‐related proteomes led to identify features related to copper tolerance in Es524, such as striking expression of a PSII Mn‐stabilizing protein and a Fucoxanthine chlorophyll a–c binding protein. Es524 also expressed specific stress‐related enzymes such as RNA helicases from the DEAD box families and a vanadium‐dependent bromoperoxidase. These observations were supported by RT‐qPCR for some of the identified genes and an enzyme activity assay for vanadium‐dependent bromoperoxidase. Therefore, the occurrence of two different phenotypes within two distinct E. siliculosus strains studied at the physiological and proteomic levels strongly suggest that persistent copper stress may represent a selective force leading to the development of strains genetically adapted to copper contaminated sites.
2‐DE proteomic approach to the Botrytis cinerea secretome induced with different carbon sources and plant‐based elicitors
Authors: Fernández‐Acero Francisco Javier , Colby Thomas , Harzen Anne , Carbú Maria , Wieneke Ursula , Cantoral Jesús Manuel , Schmidt Jürgen
Published: April 2010

Botrytis cinerea is a phytopathogenic fungus infecting a number of crops (tomatoes, grapes and strawberries), which has been adopted as a model system in molecular phytopathology. B. cinerea uses a wide variety of infection strategies, which are mediated by a set of genes/proteins called pathogenicity/virulence factors. Many of these factors have been described as secreted proteins, and thus the study of this sub‐proteome, the secretome, under changing circumstances can help us to understand the roles of these factors, possibly revealing new loci for the fight against the pathogen. A 2‐DE, MALDI TOF/TOF‐based approach has been developed to establish the proteins secreted to culture media supplemented with different carbon sources and plant‐based elicitors (in this study: glucose, cellulose, starch, pectin and tomato cell walls). Secreted proteins were obtained from the culture media by deoxycholate‐trichloroacetic acid/phenol extraction, and 76 spots were identified, yielding 95 positive hits that correspond to 56 unique proteins, including several known virulence factors (i.e. pectin methyl esterases, xylanases and proteases). The observed increases in secretion of proteins with established virulence‐related functions indicate that this in vitro‐induction/proteome‐mining approach is a promising strategy for discovering new pathogenicity factors and dissecting infection mechanisms in a discrete fashion.
Extraordinary mechanical behavior of exfoliated montmorillonite/polymer nanocomposite films cast from soap‐free emulsion polymerized latices
Authors: Lin Keng‐Jen , Lee Chia‐Hsin , Lin King‐Fu
Published: April 2010

The exfoliated montmorillonite (MMT) nanoplatelets tended to re‐stack with each other after casting the MMT/poly(methylacrylate‐co‐methylmethacrylate) P(MA‐co‐MMA) latex solutions fabricated by soap‐free emulsion polymerization into films as revealed by X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. As the content of MMT was increased from 0 to 20 wt %, the Tg measured by differential scanning calorimetry was slightly decreased from 19.2 to 17.2 °C, whereas that measured by dynamic mechanical analysis was increased from 22 to 32 °C, indicating that the local motion of polymer segments has been retarded by MMT nanoplatelets. Besides, the elongated elliptical voids appeared during stretching of 1 wt % MMT/P(MA‐co‐MMA) film to cracking also illustrated the pinning effect provided by the exfoliated MMT. As the content of MMT was increased more than 10 wt %, the mechanical behavior of MMT/P(MA‐co‐MMA) nanocomposite films was changed from ductile to brittle nature with significant increase of Young's modulus and tensile strength owing to the restacking of exfoliated MMT nanoplatelets. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 48: 1064–1069, 2010
Aligned and molecularly oriented semihollow ultrafine polymer fiber yarns by a facile method
Authors: Zhang Kai , Wang Xuefen , Yang Yin , Wang Lili , Zhu Meifang , Hsiao Benjamin S. , Chu Benjamin
Published: April 2010

In this work, aligned and molecularly oriented bone‐like PLLA semihollow fiber yarns were manufactured continuously from an optimized homogeneous polymer‐solvent‐nonsolvent system [PLLA, CH2Cl2, and dimethyl formamide (DMF)] by a single capillary electrospinning via self‐bundling technique. Here, it should be emphasized that the self‐bundling electrospinning technique, a very facile electrospinning technique with a grounded needle (which is to induce the self‐bundling of polymer nanofibers at the beginning of electrospinning process), is used for the alignment and molecular orientation of the polymer fiber, and the take‐up speed of the rotating drum for the electrospun fiber yarn collection is very low (0.5 m/s). PLLA can be dissolved in DMF and CH2Cl2 mixed solvent with different ratios. By varying the ratios of mixed solvent system, PLLA electrospun semihollow fiber with the porous inner structure and compact shell wall could be formed, the thickness of the shell and the size of inner pores could be adjusted. The results of polarized FTIR and wide angle X‐ray diffraction investigations verified that as‐prepared PLLA semihollow fiber yarns were well‐aligned and molecularly oriented. Both the formation mechanism of semihollow fibers with core‐shell structure and the orientation mechanism of polymer chains within the polymer fibers were all discussed. The as‐prepared self‐bundling electrospun PLLA fiber yarns possessed enhanced mechanical performance compared with the corresponding conventional electrospun PLLA fibrous nonwoven membranes. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 48: 1118–1125, 2010
Adopting a family approach to theory and practice: measuring distress in cancer patient–partner dyads with the distress thermometer
Authors: Zwahlen Diana , Hagenbuch Niels , Jenewein Josef , Carley Margaret I. , Buchi Stefan
Published: April 2010

Objective: Significant others are central to patients' experience and management of their cancer illness. Building on our validation of the Distress Thermometer (DT) for family members, this investigation examines individual and collective distress in a sample of cancer patients and their matched partners, accounting for the aspects of gender and role.

Method: Questionnaires including the DT were completed by a heterogeneous sample of 224 couples taking part in a multisite study.

Results: Our investigation showed that male patients (34.2%), female patients (31.9%), and male partners (29.1%) exhibited very similar levels of distress, while female partners (50.5%) exhibited much higher levels of distress according to the DT. At the dyad level just over half the total sample contained at least one individual reporting significant levels of distress. Among dyads with at least one distressed person, the proportion of dyads where both individuals reported distress was greatest (23.6%). Gender and role analyses revealed that males and females were not equally distributed among the four categories of dyads (i.e. dyads with no distress; dyads where solely the patient or dyads where solely the partner is distressed; dyads where both are distressed).

Conclusion: A remarkable number of dyads reported distress in one or both partners. Diverse patterns of distress within dyads suggest varying risks of psychosocial strain. Screening patients' partners in addition to patients themselves may enable earlier identification of risk settings. The support offered to either member of such dyads should account for their role‐ and gender‐specific needs. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Open multiple M2 branes: II. Multiple self‐dual strings on M5‐branes
Authors: Chu C.S. , Smith D.J.
Published: April 2010

We show how to define Chern‐Simons matter theories with boundary. Rather than imposing boundary conditions, we introduce new boundary degrees of freedom from the beginning and show how they can be used to cancel the gauge non‐invariance of the Chern‐Simons action. We apply this method to the ABJM theory with boundary. By imposing also boundary conformal invariance, we determine the required boundary action. This result allows us to derive the action for the multiple self‐dual strings living on M5‐branes.
Histopathological findings after treatment of prostate cancer using high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)
Authors: Biermann Katharina , Montironi Rodolfo , Lopez‐Beltran Antonio , Zhang Shaobo , Cheng Liang
Published: April 2010

BACKGROUND

High‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment is a novel minimally invasive therapeutic option for patients with localized prostate cancer. Little is known about the histological findings in prostate biopsies upon HIFU treatment.

METHOD

We examined the spectrum of histological changes in prostate biopsies of 25 prostate cancer patients who were previously treated with HIFU. The biopsies were taken 180 days after HIFU treatment.

RESULTS

Seventy‐two percent of the cases showed necrosis, often accompanied by acute, chronic, or granulomatous inflammation. Mild or moderate fibrosis was present in all biopsies. In benign glands, histological examination revealed a heterogeneous cellular damage and cellular response including cytologic atypia and basal cell hyperplasia. Eleven patients (44%) had residual prostatic carcinoma after treatment. In cases with residual adenocarcinoma, the majority of the cases (9/11, 88%) do no have apparent treatment effects. Two cases showed nuclear pyknosis. In summary, we report the histological findings in benign and malignant prostatic tissues after HIFU treatment. These findings include a spectrum of morphological changes ranging from apparent necrosis to more subtle cellular damage can be observed in benign prostatic tissue after HIFU treatment. There were minimal morphologic changes in residual adenocarcinoma after HIFU treatments.

CONCLUSION

The pathologist should be aware of common histologic findings in prostatic biopsies after HIFU treatment. We recommend routine reporting of Gleason scores in post‐HIFU needle biopsies. Prostate 70: 1196–1200, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of semiochemical toxicity to houseflies and stable flies (Diptera: Muscidae)
Authors: Mann Rajinder S , Kaufman Phillip E , Butler Jerry F
Published: April 2010

BACKGROUND: The housefly, Musca domestica L., and stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.) are cosmopolitan pests of both farm and home environments. Houseflies have been shown to be resistant to a variety of insecticides, and new chemistries are slow to emerge on the market. Toxicities of selected semiochemicals with molecular structures indicative of insecticidal activity were determined against adults from an insecticide‐susceptible laboratory strain of houseflies. The three most active semiochemicals were also evaluated against recently colonized housefly and stable fly strains.

RESULTS: Nineteen semiochemicals classified as aliphatic alcohols, terpenoids, ketones and carboxylic esters showed toxicity to houseflies and stable flies. Rosalva (LC50 = 25.98 µg cm−2) followed by geranyl acetone and citronellol (LC50 = 49.97 and 50.02 µg cm−2) were identified as the most toxic compounds to houseflies. Permethrin was up to 144‐fold more toxic than rosalva on the susceptible strain. However, it was only 35‐fold more toxic to the insecticide‐tolerant field strain. The compounds generated high toxicity to stable flies, with LC50 values ranging from 16.30 to 40.41 µg cm−2.

CONCLUSION: Quantification of LC50 values of rosalva, citronellol and geranyl acetone against susceptible housefly and field‐collected housefly and stable fly strains showed that semiochemicals could serve as potent insecticides for fly control programs. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
1.55‐µm DFB lasers with narrow ridge stripe and second‐order metal surface gratings by holographic lithography
Authors: Jang S. J. , Yeo C. I. , Yu J. S. , Lee Y. T.
Published: April 2010

We report a high‐performance operation of laterally coupled distributed feedback (LC DFB) lasers with a narrow ridge width of 2 µm, based on second‐order metal surface gratings by holographic lithography. Through theoretical analysis, the laser structure was optimized in terms of ridge width of laser, order of grating, and isolation layer around the ridge for more stable and improved device operation. By carefully controlling the photoresist patterning and etching, the second‐order metal surface gratings of Λ = 489 nm with a duty factor of 0.25 could be achieved. The 300‐µm long laser exhibits an output power of 9 mW and a threshold current of 24.8 mA at 25 °C and 100 mA in a continuous‐wave mode, with still 2 mW at 60 °C. Stable single‐mode operation with a sidemode suppression ratio up to 41 dB, a temperature‐tuning coefficient of 0.08 nm/K, an electrical power‐tuning coefficient of 14.97 nm/W was observed for the LC DFB laser with a self‐aligned SiO2 isolation layer, estimating a gain coupling coefficient of ∼27 cm−1. The beam full‐width at half‐maximum of far‐field patterns are approximately 23.1 and 42.2° for the horizontal and the vertical directions, respectively.
Tubular magnetic nanostructures based on glancing angle deposited templates and atomic layer deposition
Authors: Albrecht Ole , Zierold Robert , Patzig Christian , Bachmann Julien , Sturm Chris , Rheinländer Bernd , Grundmann Marius , Görlitz Detlef , Rauschenbach Bernd , Nielsch Kornelius
Published: April 2010

A route for the fabrication of magnetic nanotubes is established by combining glancing angle deposition (GLAD) and atomic layer deposition (ALD). In a first step, arrays of inclined or upright columnar Si structures are deposited using a glancing angle ion beam sputter technique. In a second step, these columns are covered with Fe2O3 by means of ALD, thus fabricating tubular structures with well defined wall thicknesses that envelop the Si columns. Subsequent reduction in Ar/H2 atmosphere converts the Fe2O3 tubes to ferrimagnetic Fe3O4 tubes. Using superconducting quantum interference magnetometry, the orientation dependence of the coercive field is extracted from magnetization isotherms, recorded on as‐fabricated samples oriented at various angles with respect to the magnetic field. We find an angular dependence in the variation of the coercive field, which is related to the inclination angle of the columns.

magnified image

Cross‐sectional scanning electron micrograph of a columnar zigzag Si structure.
Guidelines for accurate EC50/IC50 estimation
Authors: Sebaugh J. L.
Published: April 2010

This article provides minimum requirements for having confidence in the accuracy of EC50/IC50 estimates. Two definitions of EC50/IC50s are considered: relative and absolute. The relative EC50/IC50 is the parameter c in the 4‐parameter logistic model and is the concentration corresponding to a response midway between the estimates of the lower and upper plateaus. The absolute EC50/IC50 is the response corresponding to the 50% control (the mean of the 0% and 100% assay controls). The guidelines first describe how to decide whether to use the relative EC50/IC50 or the absolute EC50/IC50. Assays for which there is no stable 100% control must use the relative EC50/IC50. Assays having a stable 100% control but for which there may be more than 5% error in the estimate of the 50% control mean should use the relative EC50/IC50. Assays that can be demonstrated to produce an accurate and stable 100% control and less than 5% error in the estimate of the 50% control mean may gain efficiency as well as accuracy by using the absolute EC50/IC50. Next, the guidelines provide rules for deciding when the EC50/IC50 estimates are reportable. The relative EC50/IC50 should only be used if there are at least two assay concentrations beyond the lower and upper bend points. The absolute EC50/IC50 should only be used if there are at least two assay concentrations whose predicted response is less than 50% and two whose predicted response is greater than 50%. A wide range of typical assay conditions are considered in the development of the guidelines. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phase II monitoring of covariance stationary autocorrelated processes
Authors: Perry Marcus B. , Mercado Gary R. , Pignatiello Joseph J.
Published: April 2010

Statistical process control charts are intended to assist operators in detecting process changes. If a process change does occur, the control chart should detect the change quickly. Owing to the recent advancements in data retrieval and storage technologies, today's industrial processes are becoming increasingly autocorrelated. As a result, in this paper we investigate a process‐monitoring tool for autocorrelated processes that quickly responds to process mean shifts regardless of the magnitude of the change, while supplying useful diagnostic information upon signaling. A likelihood ratio approach was used to develop a phase II control chart for a permanent step change in the mean of an ARMA (p, q) (autoregressive‐moving average) process. Monte Carlo simulation was used to evaluate the average run length (ARL) performance of this chart relative to that of the more recently proposed ARMA chart. Results indicate that the proposed chart responds more quickly to process mean shifts, relative to the ARMA chart, while supplying useful diagnostic information, including the maximum likelihood estimates of the time and the magnitude of the process shift. These crucial change point diagnostics can greatly enhance the special cause investigation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct analysis of Salvia divinorum leaves for salvinorin A by thin layer chromatography and desorption electrospray ionization multi‐stage tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Kennedy Joseph H. , Wiseman Justin M.
Published: April 2010

Salvia divinorum is widely cultivated in the US, Mexico, Central and South America and Europe and is consumed for its ability to produce hallucinogenic effects similar to those of other scheduled hallucinogenic drugs, such as LSD. Salvinorin A (SA), a kappa opiod receptor agonist and psychoactive constituent, is found primarily in the leaves and to a lesser extent in the stems of the plant. Herein, the analysis of intact S. divinorum leaves for SA and of acetone extracts separated using thin layer chromatography (TLC) is demonstrated using desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) mass spectrometry. The detection of SA using DESI in the positive ion mode is characterized by several ions associated with the compound – [M+H]+, [M+NH4]+, [M+Na]+, [2M+NH4]+, and [2M+Na]+. Confirmation of the identity of these ions is provided through exact mass measurements using a time‐of‐flight (ToF) mass spectrometer. The presence of SA in the leaves was confirmed by multi‐stage tandem mass spectrometry (MSn) of the [M+H]+ ion using a linear ion trap mass spectrometer. Direct analysis of the leaves revealed several species of salvinorin in addition to SA as confirmed by MSn, including salvinorin B, C, D/E, and divinatorin B. Further, the results from DESI imaging of a TLC separation of a commercial leaf extract and an acetone extract of S. divinorum leaves were in concordance with the TLC/DESI‐MS results of an authentic salvinorin A standard. The present study provides an example of both the direct analysis of intact plant materials for screening illicit substances and the coupling of TLC and DESI‐MS as a simple method for the examination of natural products. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Environmental and food analysis by desorption atmospheric pressure photoionization‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Luosujärvi Laura , Kanerva Sanna , Saarela Ville , Franssila Sami , Kostiainen Risto , Kotiaho Tapio , Kauppila Tiina J.
Published: April 2010

Desorption atmospheric pressure photoionization‐mass spectrometry (DAPPI‐MS) is a versatile surface analysis technique for a wide range of analytes, especially for neutral and non‐polar analytes. Here, a set of analytes typically found in environmental or food samples was analyzed by DAPPI‐MS. The set included five polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), one N‐PAH, one brominated flame retardant, and nine pesticides, which were studied with three different spray solvents: acetone and toluene in positive ion mode, and anisole in negative ion mode. The analytes showed [M + H]+, M+•, and [M–H]− ions as well as fragmentation and substitution products. Detection limits for the studied compounds ranged from 30 pg to 1 ng (from 0.14 to 5.6 pmol). To demonstrate the feasibility of the use of DAPPI‐MS two authentic samples – a circuit board and orange peel – and a spiked soil sample were analyzed. Tetrabromobisphenol A, imazalil, and PAHs were observed from the three above‐mentioned samples, respectively. The method is best suited for rapid screening analysis of environmental or food samples. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.