bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety and efficacy of olanzapine monotherapy in treatment‐resistant bipolar mania: a 12‐week open‐label study
Authors: Chen Jun , Muzina David J. , Kemp David E. , Conroy Carla , Chan Philip , Serrano Mary Beth , Ganocy Stephen J. , Fang Yiru , Calabrese Joseph R. , Gao Keming
Published: November 2011

Objective

To examine the safety and efficacy of olanzapine monotherapy in treatment‐resistant bipolar mania.

Method

Subjects (n = 18) who were acutely manic, did not respond to lithium, anticonvulsants, and neuroleptics, and/or had intolerable side effects to them in previous manic episodes were openly treated with olanzapine monotherapy (5–40 mg/d) for 12 weeks. The primary and secondary outcomes included the change from baseline to endpoint in Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) total score, Clinical Global Impression for Bipolar Disorder‐Severity Scale (CGI‐S), 17‐item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM‐D) and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and response and remission rate.

Results

The mean change in YMRS total score from baseline to endpoint was −23.3 ± 8.4 (p < 0.001). Fifteen (88.5%) patients achieved response (≥50% reduction in YMRS total score) and 14 (77.8%) achieved remission (YMRS total score ≤9 at endpoint). Mean changes from baseline to endpoint in CGI‐S for mania and PANSS total score were significant, but not the changes in HAM‐D total score or CGI‐S for depression. The most common adverse events were sedation, self‐reported weight gain, ≥7% increase in body weight, dizziness, and akathisia.

Conclusions

These preliminary results suggest that olanzapine monotherapy is effective and relatively safe in patients with treatment‐resistant bipolar mania. Randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study is warranted. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Troubleshooting fine‐tuning procedures for qPCR system design
Authors: Raso Alessandro , Mascelli Samantha , Nozza Paolo , Ugolotti Elisabetta , Vanni Irene , Capra Valeria , Biassoni Roberto
Published: November 2011

Quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) has been improved and optimized over the past decade for a wide range of applications. Design of primers and probes is one of the crucial steps to obtain high system efficiency of qPCR since design pitfalls influence negatively amplification performances. We report the results of some experiments. First, we demonstrate the utility of optimal primer design and concentration in PCR by constructing suboptimal primers, for instance with hairpin and primer–dimers secondarystructures, and quantifying the decrease in efficiency of amplification. Second, we show the adverse effects of the target sequence harboring stable secondary structures on the primer binding sites. Finally, we let see that the mere use of probe‐based detection is not enough to ensure robustness of qPCR data, because the eventual detrimental products generated by primers not well designed may influence in any case the PCR efficiency. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 25:389–394, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Naringenin is an inhibitor of human serum paraoxonase (PON1): an in vitro study
Authors: Mahrooz Abdolkarim , Rashidi Mohammad‐Reza , Nouri Mohammad
Published: November 2011

Background: Inhibition studies on PON1 as an organophosphate‐hydrolyzing and atheroprotective enzyme could be useful in elucidating the function of PON1. This study is aimed at examining the in vitro effects of the flavonoid naringenin on PON1 activity in human serum and purified enzyme. Methods: The inhibition kinetics of the interaction of naringenin with human PON1 in serum and purified enzyme was determined spectrophotometrically using paraoxon and phenylacetate as the substrates. Results: Naringenin could be introduced as an effective inhibitor on purified human PON1 activity for phenylacetate as the substrate with an IC50 value of 10 µM. Paraoxonase and arylesterase activities of PON1, in the serum assay, were also inhibited by naringenin with IC50 values of 37.9 and 34.6 µM, respectively. PON1, according to acompetitive‐type inhibition pattern, was inhibited by naringenin with Ki constant of 14.5 µM for serum paraoxonase activity. The results were compared with a known inhibitor of PON1, 2‐hydroxyquinoline. We believe (to our knowledge) that this is the first reported study for kinetic parameters of PON1 inhibition by naringenin. Conclusions: Lipophilic property appears to be an important feature of the structure in evaluating the inhibitor potential. Comparison of our findings and other authors showed that the induction of PON1 gene by naringenin and its inhibitory effects on the enzyme protein are probably two different mechanisms by which the flavonoid affects PON1. The in vitro data reported in this study could be useful in the development of structure–activity relationship for PON1 inhibition. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 25:395–401, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Detection of α‐globin gene deletions using denaturing high‐performance liquid chromatography and multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification
Authors: Cao Meiting , Liu Zhaolan , Jia Xingyuan , Tang Ning , Cai Ren , Wang Lirong , Chen Chen , Xiao Bai , Wang Jun , Liu Jingzhong
Published: November 2011

Background: Multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) has been used to detect deletions and mutations of the α‐globin gene for diagnosis of α‐thalassemia. MLPA reaction products are usually separated and analyzed by high‐voltage capillary gel electrophoresis (CGE). The goal of this study was to find and use a cost‐effective method to separate and analyze MLPA products. Methods: Blood samples were collected from China. DNA was extracted and amplified by PCR using fluorescently labeled primers. In this study, denaturing high‐performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) was used to separate and analyze the reaction products. And the optimal separation conditions were determined using nondenaturing columntemperature. Results: The DHPLC conditions were optimized and have been applied to separate MLPA products and 27 of the MLPA products from 50 to 320 bp were well separated. DHPLC was able to separate up to 37 reaction products that differed by 4–12 base pairs and detected target gene deletions by differences in peak size. Compared with CGE, both the specificity and sensitivity of DHPLC for the 107 DNA samples were 100%. Conclusions: DHPLC could be used to test routinely for α‐globin gene mutations and deletions. Combined with MLPA, DHPLC is a low‐cost, simple to use, accurate technique with practical value. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 25:426–431, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Serial changes of liver stiffness measured by acoustic radiation force impulse imaging in acute liver failure: A case report
Authors: Kuroda Hidekatsu , Takikawa Yasuhiro , Onodera Mio , Kakisaka Keisuke , Yoshida Yuichi , Kataoka Koujiro , Sawara Kei , Miyamoto Yasuhiro , Oikawa Kanta , Endo Ryujin , Suzuki Kazuyuki
Published: November 2011

Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging is a new technology used to determine liver elasticity. We report the case of a patient that survived hyperacute‐type acute liver failure (ALF) and who showed a dramatic change in the value of shear wave velocity (SWV) measured by ARFI, which corresponded with the severity of her liver damage. The value of SWV increased significantly up to 3.6 ± 0.3 m/s during the encephalopathy phase and then decreased along with the recovery of liver function, the blood flow of the right portal vein, and the liver volume. These findings suggest the value of SWV in ALF as a reliable marker of liver tissue damage. Further investigations of the pathophysiological significance of SWV in ALF are warranted. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 40:99–104, 2012
Elevated vancomycin trough is not associated with nephrotoxicity among inpatient veterans
Authors: Prabaker Kavitha K. , Tran Thuong P.‐H. , Pratummas Tamara , Goetz Matthew Bidwell , Graber Christopher J.
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND:

Vancomycin troughs of 15‐20 mg/L are recommended in the treatment of invasive staphylococcal disease, higher levels than previously recommended.

OBJECTIVE/SETTING:

We sought to determine if there was an association between vancomycin trough and nephrotoxicity, defined as 0.5 mg/L or 50% increase in serum creatinine, at a large Veterans Affairs medical center.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

We reviewed records of 348 inpatients at our institution who received ≥5 days of vancomycin during 2 time periods when vancomycin dosing protocols differed (May 2005‐April 2006 and January 2007‐December 2007). Potential risk factors for nephrotoxicity were collected prior to nephrotoxicity onset, and all patients with nephrotoxicity events occurring within 5 days of starting vancomycin were excluded.

RESULTS:

Overall incidence of nephrotoxicity was 31/348 patients (8.9%). A similar percentage of patients experienced nephrotoxicity in 2005‐2006 versus 2007 (16/201 vs 15/147, respectively; P = 0.57), despite a rise in mean (9.7 mg/L in 2005‐2006 vs 13.2 mg/L in 2007; P < 0.0001) and highest (11.8 mg/L in 2005‐2006 vs 15.7 mg/L in 2007; P < 0.0001) vancomycin trough levels achieved. In a multivariate logistic regression model, only receipt of intravenous contrast dye was significantly associated with nephrotoxicity (OR 4.01, P < 0.001), though there was a trend toward an association between maximum vancomycin trough ≥15 mg/L and nephrotoxicity (OR 2.05, P = 0.082). Overall reversibility of nephrotoxicity either prior to or within 72 hours of vancomycin discontinuation was 77.8%.

CONCLUSIONS:

We conclude that nephrotoxicity, with higher trough levels occurring at ≥5 days of vancomycin therapy, was uncommon at our institution and typically reversible. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2012;. © 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine
Reactive pyrolysis‐GC: A simple, one‐step, quantitative method for the analysis of fatty acids in natural products
Authors: Freeman Robert R. , Yuzawa Tetsuro , Watanabe Chu
Published: November 2011

Fatty acids in a diverse array of sample types can be derivatized and profiled using reactive pyrolysis – gas chromatography (RxPY), which is, in essence, thermally assisted hydrolysis and methylation. Both solid and liquid samples are analyzed directly. When m‐trifluorophenyltrimethyl ammonium hydroxide is used as the organic alkali, analytical precision is on the order of 1%RSD. Quantitative data using ether standard addition or external standard yield accuracies within 5%. The analysis of omega‐3 acids in krill oil is used to illustrate the benefits of using RxPY‐GC.
The use and evaluation of CO2 laser in cleft palate surgery
Authors: Horch Hans‐Henning
Published: November 2011

Experimental studies with Rhesus monkeys showed that lateral relaxation sutures used for the reconstruction of the cleft palate can be set without any loss of blood and that epithelialization is almost complete 10 days after the operation. Clinical measurements of blood loss showed a mean blood loss of 13.4% for 30 conventionally operated cleft palates and 8.6% for 10 operated with a CO2 laser. With partial use of the laser, this corresponds to a reduction in the operation‐related blood loss of 36%. The findings show that routine use of the CO2 laser for reconstruction of a cleft palate can currently be recommended for paramarginal relaxation sutures in bridge and pedicled flap methods, thereby reducing the blood loss considerably below the mean shock threshold of 10%.
Various effects of the CO2‐, the neodymium‐yag‐, and the argon‐laser irradiation on bladder tissue
Authors: Frank F. , Keiditsch E. , Hofstetter A. , Pensel J. , Rothenberger K.
Published: November 2011

Application of lasers as cutting or coagulation instruments is based on the conversion of light energy into heat in the irradiated tissue. The extent and degree of the thermal action depends on the beam geometry and the energy of the incident light, as well as on the optic and thermal properties of the tissue. The extinction behavior in the tissue differs for the various laser systems employed in medicine. A comparison of the effects on bladder tissue of rats and rabbits is made with Neodymium‐YAG laser and the argon and CO2 lasers to demonstrate the advantages of the Neodymium‐YAG laser, especially for the therapeutic irradiation of bladder tumors.
Chemopreventive effect of a mixture of Chinese Herbs (antitumor B) on chemically induced oral carcinogenesis
Authors: Wang Yian , Yao Ruisheng , Gao Song , Wen Weidong , Du Yinqiu , Szabo Eva , Hu Ming , Lubet Ronald A. , You Ming
Published: November 2011

In this study, we evaluated chemopreventive efficacy of Antitumor B, a Chinese herbal mixture of six plants (Sophora tonkinensis, Polygonum bistorta, Prunella vulgaris, Sonchus arvensis L., Dictamnus dasycarpus, and Dioscorea bulbifera) on the development of 4‐nitroquinoline‐1‐oxide (4NQO) induced oral squamous cell carcinomas in A/J mice. Antitumor B, delivered through diet, inhibited 4NQO‐induced oral cancer development by 59.19%. The reduction of cell proliferation appears to be associated with efficacy of Antitumor B against 4NQO‐induced oral cancer in A/J mice. The expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and phosphorylated EGFR (Tyr1173) were down‐regulated by Antitumor B. Tissue distribution of Antitumor B was determined using obacunone, matrine, and maackiain as marker chemicals. We found significant amounts of obacunone, matrine, and maackiain in the blood after 1‐wk treatment. The concentrations of these three compounds did not increase further at 18 wk, suggesting that plasma concentrations had reached a steady‐state level at 1 wk. There was no significant body weight loss and there was no other obvious sign of toxicity in Antitumor B‐treated mice. These results suggest that Antitumor B is a promising agent for human oral cancer chemoprevention. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Association of aberrations in one‐carbon metabolism with molecular phenotype and grade of breast cancer
Authors: Naushad Shaik Mohammad , Pavani Addepalli , Rupasree Yedluri , Divyya Shree , Deepti Sripurna , Digumarti Raghunadha Rao , Gottumukkala Suryanarayana Raju , Prayaga Aruna , Kutala Vijay Kumar
Published: November 2011

We have earlier demonstrated the role of aberrant one‐carbon metabolism in the etiology of breast cancer. In the current study, we examine the clinical utility of these factors in predicting the subtype of breast cancer and as indicators of disease progression. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)–restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and PCR–amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) approaches were used for genetic analysis. Plasma folate and homocysteine were measured using Axsym folate kit and reverse phase HPLC, respectively. Multiple linear regression models were used to test the predictability of disease progression. Luminal A subtype was associated with late age of onset, higher body mass index and lack of family history of breast cancer. Thymidylate synthase (TYMS) 5′‐UTR 28 bp tandem repeat (OR: 2.09, 95% CI: 1.05–4.16) and methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T (OR: 4.10, 95% CI: 1.40–11.95) were strongly associated with Luminal B. Reduced folate carrier (RFC1) G80A (OR: 2.92, 95% CI: 1.22–6.97) and methionine synthase (MTR) A2756G (OR: 4.71, 95% CI: 1.66–13.31) polymorphisms were associated with LuminA‐HH subtype while MTHFR C677T showed association with HER‐enriched (OR: 30.41, 95% CI: 6.47–142.91). Cytosolic serine hydroxymethyltransferase (cSHMT) conferred protection against basal‐like breast cancer (OR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.22–0.98). HER‐enriched and basal‐like subtypes showed positive association with familial breast cancer and inverse association with plasma folate. Hyperhomocysteinemia was observed in Luminal B and basal‐like subtypes. Multiple linear regression models of aberrant one‐carbon metabolism were found to be moderate predictors of breast cancer grade (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, C = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.58–0.87, P = 0.008). To conclude, aberrations in one‐carbon metabolism predict the subtype of breast cancer and disease progression. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Glial S100B is elevated in serum across the spectrum of west nile virus infection
Authors: Leis A. Arturo , Stokic Dobrivoje S. , Petzold Axel
Published: November 2011

Introduction: We previously reported that protein biomarkers of neuronal death and glial pathology were elevated in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with West Nile virus (WNV) infection, including WNV fever. Therefore, we hypothesized that the glial biomarker S100B would also be elevated in serum across the spectrum of WNV disease. Methods: Serum levels of S100B were measured by enzyme‐linked immunoassay (ELISA) in 90 WNV patients (35 with neuroinvasive disease and 55 with WNV fever) and compared with 34 healthy controls. Results: Serum S100B was significantly higher in patients (median 0.17 ng/ml) than in controls (0.09 ng/ml, P < 0.0001). Serum S100B was elevated in 16 cases (46%) with neuroinvasive disease and in 19 cases (35%) with WNV fever. Conclusions: The increase in serum S100B reaffirms pathological changes across the spectrum of WNV disease. The elevated S100B in over one third of WNV fever cases implies that neuroinvasion occurs in a much greater proportion of patients than anticipated by clinical and epidemiological data. Muscle Nerve 45: 826–830, 2012
Morphology, barrier, and mechanical properties of biaxially deformed poly(ethylene terephthalate)‐mica nanocomposites
Authors: Soon Kok , Harkin‐Jones Eileen , Rajeev Rajvihar S. , Menary Gary , Martin Peter J. , Armstrong Cecil G.
Published: November 2011

Nanocomposites of poly(ethylene terephthalate) PET with a partially synthetic fluoromica were prepared by melt mixing and extruded into sheet and subjected to large‐scale biaxial stretching. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis of the mica tactoids showed that biaxial stretching had caused the tactoids to be more orientated and with improved exfoliation. The moduli of the nanocomposites were enhanced with increasing mica loading and the reinforcement effect was higher when the stretch ratio was 2 or 2.5, accommodated by having more aligned tactoids and reduced agglomeration. Enhancement in modulus was less pronounced for a stretch ratio of 3. Storage modulus was enhanced more significantly above the glass transition temperature. The barrier properties were enhanced by addition of mica before and after stretching. The Halpin‐Tsai theory underpredicted the relative modulus of the PET nanocomposites, whereas the Nielsen model over‐predicted the relative permeability. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Polystyrene/calcium phosphate nanocomposites: Morphology, mechanical, and dielectric properties
Authors: Selvin Thomas P. , Thomas Sabu , Zafeiropoulos N.E. , Bandyopadhyay Sri , Wurm Andreas , Schick Christoph
Published: November 2011

Matrix mediated synthesis of nanoparticles was utilized to prepare calcium phosphate nanoparticles with a size of 10 nm. The particles were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. Nanocomposites of polystyrene and nano‐calcium phosphate were prepared by the melt‐mixing technique. The composites were characterized by TEM to assess the dispersion of the nanoparticles. SAXS measurements of the composites and the fit with Beaucage model described the fractal dimensions of the particles. Mechanical properties of the composites significantly improved with the addition of nanofillers. Dielectric behavior of the nanocomposites was measured with respect to the filler content, temperature, and frequency. The dielectric constant increases with increase in temperature and decreases with increase in frequencies. Dielectric constant increased with filler content in all frequencies; however, lower frequencies showed marked effect. α‐Relaxation of the composites from the dissipation factor of the composites showed higher values for the lower frequencies. Electrical conductivity increased with respect to the filler content and volume resistivity showed the reverse trend. The theoretical prediction of the dielectric constant showed close agreement with the experimental value. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
The application of digital image techniques to determine the large stress–strain behaviors of soft materials
Authors: Han Yougun , Rogalsky Allan D. , Zhao Boxin , Kwon Hyock Ju
Published: November 2011

Understanding the mechanical properties of soft materials such as stress–strain behavior over a large deformation domain is essential for both mechanical and biological applications. Conventional measurement methods have limited access to these properties because of the difficulties in accurately measuring large deformations of soft materials. In this study, we optimized digital image correlation (DIC) method to measure the large‐strain deformations by considering referencing scheme and frame rate. The optimized DIC was utilized to estimate strain in characterizing the stress–strain behavior of a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomer as a model soft material. A series of comparative experimental studies and finite element analysis were performed; they indicated the advantages of optimized DIC over conventional methods such as robustness to slip, insensitivity to boundary conditions, and the ability to yield consistent and reliable results. These advantages enabled the optimized DIC to perform an in‐depth analysis of the behavior of soft materials at large strain domain. An empirical constitutive equation to describe the large stress–strain behavior of PDMS was proposed and verified by finite element simulations that show excellent agreements with experimental results. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
An investigation on structure characterization of thermally stabilized polyacrylonitrile precursor fibers pretreated with guanidine carbonate prior to carbonization
Authors: Karacan İsmail , Erdoğan Gülhan
Published: November 2011

Thermal stabilization of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursor fiber was performed with a pretreatment of an aqueous guanidine carbonate solution and its structure was thoroughly characterized using a combination of infrared spectroscopy (IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), density, elemental analysis, and X‐ray diffraction measurements. The use of guanidine carbonate pretreatment of polyacrylonitrile precursor fiber was found to be very useful for the acceleration of thermal stabilization of polyacrylonitrile precursor fiber prior to the carbonization stage. The results obtained from density, thermal analysis (TGA and DSC), infrared‐spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction methods suggested an accelerated thermally stable aromatic ladder structure formation resulting in much reduced thermal stabilization time. X‐ray observations showed the transformation of the original structure from a highly ordered phase to a totally disordered amorphous phase which seemed to be a direct consequence of the crosslinked and cyclized structure present in the stabilized fibers. The results obtained from the infrared spectra of thermally stabilized samples showed a rapid and simultaneous cyclization and dehydrogenation reactions aided by the oxygen uptake in the form of oxygen containing functional groups. Guanidine carbonate pretreated and thermally stabilized PAN precursor fibers showed a carbon yield of 52.5% at 1100°C obtained from TGA measurements. The use of guanidine carbonate pretreatment is expected to significantly increase the productivity of carbon fiber manufacturing at a substantially reduced cost by significantly reducing the time necessary for thermal stabilization of polyacryonitrile fiber. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Characterization of polymer powder motion in a spherical mold in biaxial rotation
Authors: Aissa Amara Aït , Duchesne Carl , Rodrigue Denis
Published: November 2011

As rotational molding of thermoplastic parts become more and more complex, understanding the fundamental processing aspects such as powder flow becomes important for good and uniform part quality. In this work, an image analysis technique is used to determine the effect of polymer powder particle size and distribution in a biaxially rotating spherical mold. Experimental parameters such as particle diameter (d), ratio of larger over smaller particles diameters (dr), and initial powder position inside the mold and camera viewing position were studied. From the results obtained, conditions leading to homogeneity and segregation are discussed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Three‐dimensionally ordered macroporous cross‐linked polystyrene incorporating functional groups via hydrophilic spacer arms: Application for heavy metal ion adsorption
Authors: Wang Xiaomei , Zhang Xu , Guo Hongfei , Yuan Lixia , Liu Pange
Published: November 2011

Three‐dimensionally ordered macroporous cross‐linked polystyrenes (3DOM CLPS) with 2‐mercaptobenzothiazole (MBZ) groups attached directly or via hydrophilic spacer arms to frameworks were prepared for use as heavy metal ion adsorbents. The hydrophilic spacer arms are polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains with three different lengths. The functionalized 3DOM CLPS were characterized by SEM, FTIR, and elemental analysis. The results confirm that the MBZ groups have been introduced onto the pore wall of 3DOM CLPS directly or via PEGs, and the ordered structure was well preserved after functionalization. The functionalized 3DOM CLPS are effective adsorbents for the removal of heavy metal ions from solution, with adsorption capacities ranging from 0.25 to 1.14 mmol/g for silver (I) ions and 0.28 to 0.51 mmol/g for mercury (II) ions, respectively. The introduction of hydrophilic spacer arms between the 3DOM frameworks and the heterocyclic functional groups improves the adsorption capacities and adsorption kinetics. The adsorption capacities increase with the length of spacer arm. After regeneration by washing with acidic thiourea solution, the metal ion adsorption capacities of the regenerated 3DOM materials were on around 90% of the original capacities. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Influences of phase composition and thermomechanical conditions on shape memory properties of segmented polyurethanes with amorphous reversible phase
Authors: Ji Feng Long , Hu Jin Lian , Chui Stephen Sin‐Yin
Published: November 2011

We synthesized series of shape memory polyurethanes with amorphous reversible phase (Tg‐SMPUs) and systematically studied their microphase structure and shape memory properties. The Tg‐SMPUs having no or less hard phase showed lower shape recovery. When the volume fraction of hard phase was in the range of 20–30%, the Tg‐SMPUs exhibited the highest shape recovery. As the fraction of hard phase increased further the shape recovery decreased, because more polymer components with higher glass transition temperatures (Tgs) would participate in strain storage. For the Tg‐SMPUs having similar Tgs, those polymers having higher volume fraction of hard phase exhibited higher shape fixity, broader shape recovery region, and larger recovery stress. Increasing deformation strain could raise shape fixity and recovery stress but broaden shape recovery region. The highest recovery stress of a material could be achieved when the deformation occurred at its glass transition temperature below which decreasing deformation temperature could not increase recovery stress further. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Tunable n‐ and p‐type doping of single‐layer graphene by engineering its interaction with the SiO2 support
Authors: Nourbakhsh Amirhasan , Cantoro Mirco , Li Bing , Müller Robert , De Feyter Steven , Heyns Marc M. , Sels Bert F. , De Gendt Stefan
Published: November 2011

We report a technique to tune the excess charge concentration in single‐layer graphene from p‐ to n‐type up to densities of |n | ∼ 1.2 × 1013 cm–2, corresponding to a displacement electric field of ∼2.5 V/nm. The tuning is achieved by engineering the interaction between graphene and the underlying Si/SiO2 substrate with an amino group‐terminated self‐assembled monolayer, and subsequent rinsing in aqueous solutions at controlled pH. Raman spectroscopy and electrical measurements on treated graphene devices confirm the occurrence of doping. Interestingly, we found the field‐effect mobility not to be significantly affected by the procedure. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A Potential In Vitro and In Vivo anti‐HIV Drug Screening System for Chinese Herbal Medicines
Authors: Feng Long , Wang Li , Ma Yun‐yun , Li Min , Zhao Guo‐Qiang
Published: November 2011

Chinese herbal medicines are often applied as an alternative therapy for viral diseases. However, the development of anti‐HIV herbal drugs has proceeded slowly, partly because of the lack of a high‐throughput system for screening these drugs. The present study evaluated 16 herbal medicines for anti‐HIV activities in vitro and in vivo. Herbal medicines were first screened for the ability to regulate C‐X‐C receptor 4 (CXCR4) and C‐C receptor 5 (CCR5) promoter activities. A single‐round pseudotyped HIV‐luciferase reporter virus system (HIV‐Luc) was used to identify potential anti‐HIV mechanisms. CD4+ T cells from healthy volunteers were examined for changes in CXCR4 and CCR5 levels. HIV‐1 replication was evaluated by ELISA. Spica Prunellae and Herba Andrographitis were found to down‐regulate the activities of both the CXCR4 and CCR5 promoters. Also, Spica Prunellae and Herba Andrographitis (>1000 µm) inhibited HIV‐1 in a dose‐dependent manner. CXCR4 and CCR5 levels were reduced in CD4+ T cells from healthy volunteers (p < 0.05). Spica Prunellae and Herba Andrographitis (EC50: 3.18 and 5.49 µg/mL, respectively) could suppress cell fusion and decrease p24 antigen. In conclusion, the data demonstrated that Spica Prunellae and Herba Andrographitis possessed anti‐HIV‐1 capabilities, perhaps through the inhibition of the CXCR4 and CCR5 promoters and HIV‐1 replication. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clone evolution: a systematic review
Authors: Pate Jeremy R. , Tairas Robert , Kraft Nicholas A.
Published: November 2011

Detection of code clones — similar or identical source code fragments — is of concern both to researchers and to practitioners. An analysis of the clone detection results for a single source code version provides a developer with information about a discrete state in the evolution of the software system. However, tracing clones across multiple source code versions permits a clone analysis to consider a temporal dimension. Such an analysis of clone evolution can be used to uncover the patterns and characteristics exhibited by clones as they evolve within a system. Developers can use the results of this analysis to understand the clones more completely, which may help them to manage the clones more effectively. Thus, studies of clone evolution serve a key role in understanding and addressing issues of cloning in software. In this paper, we present a systematic review of the literature on clone evolution. In particular, we present a detailed analysis of 30 relevant papers that we identified in accordance with our review protocol. The review results were organized to address three research questions. Through our answers to these questions, we present the methods that researchers have used to study clone evolution, the patterns that researchers have found evolving clones to exhibit, and the evidence that researchers have established regarding the extent of inconsistent change undergone by clones during software evolution. Overall, the review results indicate that whereas researchers have conducted several empirical studies of clone evolution, there are contradictions among the reported findings, particularly regarding the lifetimes of clone lineages and the consistency with which clones are changed during software evolution. We identify human‐based empirical studies and classification of clone evolution patterns as two areas that are in particular need of further work. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sensitivity analysis for multi‐attribute system selection problems in onshore Environmentally Friendly Drilling (EFD)
Authors: Yu O.‐Y. , Guikema S. D. , Briaud J.‐L. , Burnett D.
Published: November 2011

Input data used in Multi‐Attribute Decision Making (MADM) problems are often perceived to be imprecise by decision‐makers because they are based on expert assessments. As a result, an important step in many applications of MADM is to perform a sensitivity analysis on the input data to help decision‐makers understand how in which regions of the input data space they can be most confident in the recommended decisions and where improved input information is most needed. This paper describes sensitivity analysis procedures which will help decision‐makers examine the robustness of the optimal solution to changes in input parameters in system selection decisions, where the system is made up of components (drilling technologies) that can be combined in many different ways. This paper presents two different sensitivity analysis methodologies. One is a sensitivity analysis for weighting factors of each attribute, and the other is a sensitivity analysis for uncertainty of overall attribute inputs. An application case study of the proposed approach is described to select optimal onshore Environmentally Friendly Drilling (EFD) systems at Green Lake near McFaddin, TX. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Overcoming barriers to transferring systems engineering practices into the rail sector
Authors: Elliott Bruce , O'Neil Anne , Roberts Clive , Schmid Felix , Shannon Ian
Published: November 2011

There is increasing interest within the rail sector in applying the concepts of systems engineering. This paper presents arguments that the balance of concerns differs between a typical project in the rail sector and one in the domains in which systems engineering was developed and that this difference, together with a lack of agreement on the scope of systems engineering and differences in tradition between systems engineering and the established rail disciplines, raise barriers to the effective and efficient importation of systems engineering ideas into the rail sector. It is suggested that the system engineering community can lower these barriers by strengthening published systems engineering guidance in certain areas, being prepared to express themselves in plain language and packaging their practices in a more portable fashion, while the rail community can help by being prepared to adapt the systems engineering approach to meet their needs better and introducing new practices in a measured and systematic fashion. The benefits to both communities are identified and found to justify the investment required to take these steps. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng
Pun Work Helps English Learners Get the Joke
Authors: Lems Kristin
Published: November 2011

Native speakers of a language learn word play as part of the language acquisition process, but learners of a new language rarely get that opportunity. English has an unusually large number of opportunities for humorous puns, based on the complex system of spellings, pronunciations, and meanings of English words. There are three main categories of English puns, and these are explained and illustrated, along with lesson plans for using puns in classroom with English language learners. Suggested resources are included.
π‐Conjugation
Authors: Milián‐Medina Begoña , Gierschner Johannes
Published: November 2011

In the current overview, the concept of π‐conjugation in organic compounds is reexamined. Starting from valence bond and molecular orbital (MO) theory, the principal elements of conjugation are worked out starting from a simple Hückel picture; this includes the definition of the conjugated path, bond length alternation, as well as MO localization effects, and requires the distinction between formal and effective conjugation. The latter will be needed to understand the electronic and optical properties of polyconjugated molecules, highlighting the importance of a correct quantum chemical description of ground and excited state properties. Finally, implications of conjugation on interacting systems are shortly discussed. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Molecular Structures
Synthesis and Characterization of a New Thallium(I) Coordination Polymer of Tetrazolate Ligand as Precursor for Preparation of Thallium(III) Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Sadegh, Yazdan Parast Mohammad , Morsali Ali
Published: November 2011

A new thallium(I) coordination polymer, [Tl2L·H2O]n (1) [H2L = 5‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)tetrazole], was synthesized and characterized by IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and X‐ray crystallography. The single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data of compound 1 show the existence of two different TlI ions with differing coordination numbers. The coordination number of TlI(1) is four and that of TlI(2) is two. This coordination polymer was used as a precursor for the preparation of TlIII oxide nanoparticles. Thallium(III) oxide was characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction and the morphology of nanoparticles characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM).
A calculus of trustworthy ad hoc networks
Authors: Merro Massimo , Sibilio Eleonora
Published: November 2011

We propose a
process calculus
for
mobile ad hoc networks
which relies on an abstract behaviour-based multilevel
trust model
. The operational semantics of the calculus is given in terms of a labelled transition system, where actions are executed at a certain security level. We define a
labelled bisimilarity
over networks parameterised on security levels. Our bisimilarity is a congruence and an efficient proof method for an appropriate variant of barbed congruence, a standard contextually-defined program equivalence. Communications in the calculus are safe with respect to the security levels of the involved parties. In particular, we ensure
safety despite compromise
: compromised nodes cannot affect the rest of the network. A
non-interference
result is also proved in terms of information flow. Finally, we use our calculus to provide formal descriptions of trust-based versions of both a routing protocol and a leader election protocol for ad hoc networks.
Structural Change in Local Finance during China’s Reform Era: A Case Study
Authors: Liu Chang
Published: November 2011

By looking at one particular case, this study determines what resources were available to local governments in order to finance local economic development in the reform era. It finds that although local finance expanded tremendously in this era, and extra-budgetary revenue also increased, those two things did not produce much financial surplus for capital construction and fixed investment. The only source at the local government’s disposal was cheap land expropriated from local peasants. Land thus becomes the key to understanding local finance during the reform era.
Zhan Kai and Five “Novels of Women’s Liberation” of the Late Qing
Authors: Widmer Ellen
Published: November 2011

Zhan Kai’s 詹垲 (c. 1860–c. 1910) two novels about women’s liberation of 1907 (Zhongguo xin nühao中国新女豪 andNüzi quan女子权) are compared with each other and with three slightly earlier novels that could have been influences:Nü yuhua女狱花 of 1904,Nüwa shi女娲石 of 1904, andHuang Xiuqiu黄绣球 of 1905–7. An effort is made to show what he might have borrowed and what were the most original points in Zhan’s writing. One further issue is the reason he might have written two such similar novels. Finally his guidelines for readerly behavior are explored.
The Legacy of Crossdressing in Tanci: On A Histoire of Heroic Women and Men
Authors: Li GUO
Published: November 2011

This essay studies atanciwork,A Histoire of Heroic Women and Men(1905), as a case which reflects the intersecting themes of crossdressing, gender representation and the literary form oftanci. Writtentanci, appropriated and redeveloped by educated women to tell stories of female crossdressers, scholars, and military leaders, offers a meaningful intervention in the dominant social and cultural discourses of womanhood in late imperial China. In the fictional realm, women’s acts of crossdressing transcend the Confucian ideological prescriptions of feminine identity, displaying their heroic efforts to pursue autonomy in a patriarchal culture. This essay will analyze how these examples of crossdressing interact with and modify current critical accounts of gender and sexuality.A Histoire, in particular, holds a place of prominence in late imperial Chinese literature because of its revelation of the troubled relationship between gender construction, narrative agency, and women’s identity. The text manifestly destabilizes conventional attitudes toward gendered identity, yet simultaneously exposes the social and practical challenges of such temporary and often imagined transgressions, which are exercised by incarcerating the feminine and borrowing the male subjective position through transvestite performance.
The Impact of Macroeconomic Fluctuations on the Likelihood of African American Female Homeownership
Authors: Conrad Daren A. , Brown LaTanya N.
Published: November 2011

Homeownership, a primary component of household wealth, confers benefits not just in terms of the value of home equity itself, but also the tax benefits and inflation protection associated with owning property. The 1990s represented a booming time in the economy and record low interest rates which allowed homeownership to become more available to more people than ever. As a result, the US housing market experienced significant growth and home values began to soar in part due to rising incomes. However, this period of rapid expansion in the housing market was followed by a rapid decline, precipitated by the recession, as home values began to plummet and foreclosures steadily increased. This study examines the impact that recent macroeconomic fluctuations had on the likelihood of homeownership for African American women compared to their white counterparts. Using data from the American Housing Survey (1997–2009), this tenure spatial analysis used a logistic regression model to examine the odds in favor of homeownership during economic fluctuations along with taking into consideration other important determinants. The empirical results show that there are significant differences in the likelihood of homeownership between African American women and white females.
Confronting the Jobs Crisis
Authors: Rothenberg Mel
Published: November 2011

We argue that increasing effective demand via traditional Keynesian stimuli is inadequate to resolve the job crisis in the U.S. Rather, we need a radical restructuring of the job market that necessitates a national industrial policy. We claim that to achieve such a restructuring we need a mass social movement that goes beyond standard legislative lobbying. We conclude with two sets of questions. The first set asks about the creation of new social movements, the second about leadership coming from forces within the current social movements
Russia's Restive Future
Authors: Doran Peter B.
Published: November 2011

When Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin announced his intention to return to the Kremlin for a third presidential term, he marked a significant milestone in the country's political development. More than just another assumed victory for Putin's party of power, his putative return to the presidency is without precedent in post-Communist Russia and signals a clear venture into uncharted territory. Even if Putin's triumph at the ballot box is all but certain, it is far from clear whether his next administration will be able to address the mounting pressures that weigh heavily on the Russian state. From the country's spiralling demographic crisis to its over-reliance on mineral exports and long-delayed reforms to the judiciary and political institutions, the risk of long-term stagnation and state decline is greater today than when Putin first took office more than 10 years ago. Indeed, the choices made during Putin's next term could have far-reaching consequences, not just for Russia's relationship with the US and the EU, but for his country's aspirations to reassert itself as a global power.
For how Long can South Africa ‘punch above its Weight’?
Authors: Draper Peter
Published: November 2011

South Africa is a privileged member of various global governance clubs. This status is based on its relative economic weight in sub-Saharan Africa and its legacy of ‘soft power’ derived from the peaceful transition from apartheid to democracy. However, those foundations are waning in the face of the African National Congress (ANC) government's growing ambivalence towards democratic norms and the relatively rapid growth and development taking place in sub-Saharan Africa. The ANC government's own policy choices, particularly its emphasis on state-driven economic policy, and the internecine power struggles racking the party have set the country's economic policy adrift. Thus investor confidence has been undermined at a time of global economic crisis. Taken together, these trends suggest South Africa's days as the African representative of choice are numbered. Ironically, this development may portend reversal of current trends, by concentrating the ANC leadership's collective mind on what really needs to be done to restore growth, and international confidence, in the country.
An E-Retailing Assessment of Perceived Website-Service Innovativeness: Implications for Website Quality Evaluations, Trust, Loyalty and Word of Mouth
Authors: O'Cass Aron , Carlson Jamie
Published: November 2011

This paper examines the role of consumer perceptions of a website's innovativeness as a factor influencing their evaluations of website-service quality, development of trust in the website, loyalty to the website and word-of-mouth behaviours toward the website. A self-administered online questionnaire was used to collect data through an online panel of a market research firm. Participants were asked to recall a recent encounter with their preferred e-retailer and focus on that website when responding. Data were gathered from 370 Australian consumers who shopped at a variety of e-retailers across product various categories. The variables under investigation in the study were measured using established scales from the marketing literature and adapted to the context of the study. The results indicate that when an e-retail website is perceived to deliver an innovative experience this evaluation influences more positive overall e-service quality perceptions, higher trust levels, as well as website loyalty and positive word-of-mouth behaviour. The sample of the study is restricted to consumer evaluations within a specific country context; Australian e-retail consumers. The empirical relationships between perceived website-service innovativeness, overall e-service quality, trust, website loyalty and word of mouth reported in the study are tentative in the sense that they are based on cross-sectional data. The study provides important implications for e-service delivery and online branding, especially for e-retailers. The paper contributes to the literature by investigating the relationship between perceived website-service innovativeness and consequent outcomes arising from consumers’ experiences of e-retail websites. Little research has addressed perceived website-service innovativeness, and its effect on quality and trust perceptions and website-related loyalty intentions in e-retailing.