bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Event-Based Data Collection for Generating Actuated Controller Performance Measures
Authors: Smaglik Edward J. , Sharma Anuj , Bullock Darcy M. , Sturdevant James R. , Duncan Gary
Published: January 2008

Cycle-by-cycle data have been shown to be effective in the analysis of a signalized intersection with measures of effectiveness such as volume-to-capacity ratios, arrival type, and average vehicular delay. Currently, actuated traffic controllers are unable to store vehicle counts and vehicle occupancy in cycle-by-cycle bins, requiring extra equipment and personnel to collect data in these bins. The objective of this research was to develop an integrated general purpose data collection module that time-stamps detector and phase state changes within a National Electrical Manufacturers Association actuated traffic signal controller and uses those data to provide quantitative graphs to assess arterial progression, phase capacity utilization, movement delay, and served volumes on a cycle-by-cycle basis. Given that the United States recently received a grade of 61 of 100 on the National Traffic Signal Report Card, it is particularly important that procedures such as these be used to provide performance measures over extended periods so agencies have cost-effective mechanisms for assessing and priority-ranking signal timing efforts.
Foundation for Jointly Determining Passage Time and Detection Zone Length with Stop Bar Presence Detection
Authors: Kyte Michael , Amin Enas , Urbanik Thomas
Published: January 2008

The interrelationship between two traffic signal parameters—passage time and detection zone length—is explored. It is shown that both parameters must be selected jointly if an intersection is to function efficiently. Simulation data are used to show the effect of stochastic variation in headways and unoccupancy times as a queue moves through the intersection at the beginning of the green and that, because the data are stochastic, this problem is one of risk management. The data show that shorter passage times should be used as detection zone lengths increase. The data also show that commonly used values of passage time unnecessarily and inefficiently increase the length of the phase.
Active Signal Priority for Light Rail Transit at Grade Crossings
Authors: Li Meng , Wu Guoyuan , Li Yue , Bu Fanping , Zhang Wei-bin
Published: January 2008

The basic concept and implementation of an active priority system of light rail transit (LRT) for highway–rail grade crossings are presented. The proposed priority system consists of four major components: train detectors, train travel and dwell time predictors, priority request generator (PRG), and traffic signal controllers. As the brain of the system, the PRG adopts a three-scheme conditional priority control strategy. Scheme I, which applies to late LRT trains, features a timing optimization model. The objective of this optimization model is to minimize intersection delays for late trains and meanwhile to minimize impacts on other traffic. Unlike existing signal priority studies, which typically focus on isolated intersections, the proposed model deals with signal timings at multiple intersections and provides an optimized green band for an incoming train. The optimized green band would start at the right time to cover the predicted train arrival time and would be wide enough to accommodate prediction errors. A case study, based on the San Diego Trolley system, in California, demonstrates enormous intersection delay savings of 89.5% and 25.3 s/train for late trains after application of the proposed Scheme I strategy. At the same time, the impact on other traffic in the priority cycle is only 4.1 s/veh. For Schemes II and III when no priority is needed, traffic delay savings are 32.5% and 52.0%, respectively. A simulation study confirms the system benefits and validates the practicality of the active priority system for future field testing.
Risk Analysis to Account for Uncertainty in Benefit–Cost Evaluations of Intelligent Transportation Systems
Authors: Yang Sheng , Shen Luou , Hadi Mohammed
Published: January 2008

Benefit–cost analyses of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) have produced point estimates of the benefit–cost ratios of ITS deployments. The need to perform risk analyses to account for the uncertainty in ITS benefit and cost parameters is discussed. It is recommended that the analyses be based on overall assessments of the combination of point estimates, confidence limits, and probability distributions of the benefits, costs, and benefit–cost ratios. Two methods are presented for performing risk analyses with Monte Carlo simulation. The first allows the calculation of the parameters required for the risk analysis procedure in the ITS Deployment Analysis System (IDAS) sketch planning tool. No methodology has been proposed for this calculation in the literature. The second method is a generalized risk analysis procedure that can be implemented in sketch planning tools. The procedure was implemented in this study as part of the screening analysis for ITS. The results indicate that for the investigated case studies, procedures that base the risk analyses on varying the output variables (as is the case in IDAS) will result in benefit–cost ratios with medians (50th percentiles) that are close to those obtained with procedures that are based on varying the input variables. However, the confidence limits produced may be different. The results also indicate that risk analyses produce wide confidence intervals of the estimated benefit–cost ratios, reflecting the high levels of uncertainty in the values of ITS benefit and cost parameters reported in national benefit–cost studies and databases.
Traffic Operations for Hurricane Evacuation
Authors: Ballard Andrew J.
Published: January 2008

The 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons underscored the significance of coastal states' preparedness for hurricanes and associated evacuations. To facilitate effective hurricane evacuation traffic operations, the Texas Transportation Institute researched the traffic operations practices of various states along the coasts of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. This research was accomplished largely through reviews of reports on lessons learned and interviews with staff members of departments of transportation and some departments of public safety for these states. From these findings, several beneficial practices were identified, including details on agency policy issues, contraflow operations, emergency shoulder lanes, motorist information, intelligent transportation systems, and courtesy patrols. As a result, specific recommendations are presented for the Texas Department of Transportation to consider in enhancing traffic operations for hurricane evacuation.
Exploring taxonomic filtering in urban environments
Authors: Ricotta Carlo , DiNepi Micol , Guglietta Daniela , Celesti‐Grapow Laura
Published: January 2008

Question: Several mechanisms have been proposed that control the spatio‐temporal pattern of species coexistence. Among others, the species pool hypothesis states that the large‐scale species pool is an important factor in controlling small‐scale species richness through filtering of species that can persist within a species assemblage on the basis of their tolerance of the abiotic environment. Because of the process of environmental filtering, co‐occurring species that experience similar environmental conditions are likely to be more taxonomically similar than ecologically distant species. This is because, due to the conservatism of many species traits during evolutionary diversification, the ability of species to colonize the same ecological space is thought to depend at least partially on their taxonomic similarity. The question for this study is: Under the assumption of trait conservatism, does environmental filtering lead to nonrandom species assemblages with respect to their taxonomic structure?

Methods: The significance of taxonomic filtering in regulating species coexistence is tested using data from 15 local species assemblages from the urban flora of Rome (Italy). To find out whether the taxonomic structure of the selected’ local’ species assemblages was significantly different from random, we used a Monte Carlo simulation in which for each local species assemblage, the actual taxonomic diversity was compared to the taxonomic diversity of 1000 virtual species lists of the same size extracted at random from a larger ‘regional’ species pool. Results: We found that in most cases the local species assemblages have a higher degree of taxonomic similarity than would be expected by chance showing a phenomenon of ‘species condensation’ in a small number of higher‐level taxa.

Conclusions: Our observations support the species pool hypothesis and imply that environmental filtering is an important mechanism in shaping the taxonomic structure of species assemblages. Therefore, the incorporation of taxonomic diversity into landscape and community ecology may be beneficial for a better understanding of the processes that regulate species coexistence.
Production of Polyclonal Antisera
Authors: Cooper Helen M. , Paterson Yvonne
Published: January 2008

Much of modern biology and biochemistry relies on the availability of highly specific antibodies for use in such ubiquitous techniques as immunohistochemistry, ELISAs, immunoprecipitation, and immunoblotting. Thus, the generation of large quantities of specific antibodies directed against proteins or peptides of interest is essential to the success of both basic and applied research programs. In addition, with the advent of antibody‐based proteomic strategies for profiling protein expression and post‐translational modification, a requirement for timely production of specific antibodies has been exemplified. Polyclonal antibodies derived from animals immunized with purified proteins or peptides are particularly valuable for use in the laboratory. This unit provides protocols for the production of polyclonal antisera specific for protein antigens using rabbits, rats, mice, and hamsters. Curr. Protoc. Mol. Biol. 81:11.12.1‐11.12.10. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Immunohistochemistry
Authors: Goldstein Marsha , Watkins Simon
Published: January 2008

Immunohistochemistry is a vastly diverse and essential method for localization of proteins in cells and tissues. This unit presents methods for labeling proteins in suspension and adherent cultures and in tissue sections, using detection methods for both fluorescence and bright‐field microscopy. Choices of antibodies and detection methods are discussed, and detailed troubleshooting guidelines are provided. Curr. Protoc. Mol. Biol. 81:14.6.1‐14.6.23. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Basic Confocal Microscopy
Authors: Smith Carolyn L.
Published: January 2008

This unit introduces the reader to the basic principles of confocal microscopy and the design and capabilities of current confocal microscopes. The advantages and disadvantages of confocal microscopy compared to other techniques for fluorescence imaging are described. There are also practical guidelines for sample preparation and optimization of imaging parameters, as well as examples of some of the applications of confocal microscopy.Curr. Protoc. Mol. Biol. 81:14.11.1‐14.11.18. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Diagnosis of Inherited Disorders of Galactose Metabolism
Authors: Cuthbert Carla , Klapper Helene , Elsas Louis
Published: January 2008

Galactose metabolism occurs through an evolutionarily conserved pathway in which galactose and uridine diphosphoglucose are converted to glucose‐1‐phosphate and uridine diphosphogalactose through the action of three sequential enzymes: galactokinase (GALK, EC 2.7.1.6), galactose‐1‐phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT, EC 2.7.7.12), and uridine phosphogalactose 4′‐epimerase (GALE, EC 5.1.3.2). Inborn errors of galactose metabolism occur with impaired activity for each of the enzymes. Classical galactosemia is the most common and the most severe of these diseases and is caused by deficiency of the GALT enzyme, affecting from ∼1 in 10,000 to 1 in 30,000 live births. Deficiency of GALE is the rarest of the three diseases. Assays for galactitol and galactose‐1‐phosphate and methods for assaying enzyme activities of GALT, GALK, and GALE are provided here. Interpretation of diagnostic results for screen‐positive newborns or symptomatic patients, as well as therapeutic interventions based on biochemical phenotype and molecular genotype, are also included as decision trees. Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 56:17.5.1‐17.5.29. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Confocal Imaging of Cell Division
Authors: Maddox Paul S.
Published: January 2008

Imaging of subcellular events has been key to recent advances in the basic knowledge base as well as drug discovery for disease states such as cancer. In a snowball effect, advances in imaging have spurred new investigations, which have increased the demand for new technologies. The study of cell division serves as an example of this cycle. Here, application of spinning disk confocal technology to the study of cell division is discussed. While these studies have increased understanding of fundamental mechanisms in several mitotic events, new imaging technologies in the future will unlock more secrets of cell biology. Curr. Protocol. Cytom. 43:12.11.1‐12.11.13. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Mycoplasma‐Contaminated Cell Cultures
Authors: Harlin Helena , Gajewski Thomas F.
Published: January 2008

Mycoplasma contamination is a serious and frequent problem in the culture laboratory. Although mycoplasma contamination may be suspected by the failure of cells to thrive, the formal diagnosis rests on the detection of adenosine phosphorylase secretion by infected cell lines. This appendix describes how to test for mycoplasma contamination, and also presents methods for antibiotic treatment of infected cultures. Curr. Protocol. Cytom. 43:A.3C.1‐A.3C.7. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Production of Polyclonal Antisera
Authors: Cooper Helen M. , Paterson Yvonne
Published: January 2008

Much of modern biology and biochemistry relies on the availability of highly specific antibodies for use in such ubiquitous techniques as immunohistochemistry, ELISAs, immunoprecipitation, and immunoblotting. Thus, the generation of large quantities of specific antibodies directed against proteins or peptides of interest is essential to the success of both basic and applied research programs. In addition, with the advent of antibody‐based proteomic strategies for profiling protein expression and post‐translational modification, a requirement for timely production of specific antibodies has been exemplified. Polyclonal antibodies derived from animals immunized with purified proteins or peptides are particularly valuable for use in the laboratory. This appendix provides protocols for the production of polyclonal antisera specific for protein antigens using rabbits, rats, mice, and hamsters. Curr. Protocol. Cytom. 43:A.3I.1‐A.3I.10. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Analysis and Manipulation of Hematopoietic Progenitor and Stem Cells from Murine Embryonic Tissues
Authors: Medvinsky Alexander , Taoudi Samir , Mendes Sandra , Dzierzak Elaine
Published: January 2008

Hematopoietic development begins in several locations in the mammalian embryo: yolk sac, aorta‐gonad‐mesonephros region (AGM), and the chorio‐allantoic placenta. Generation of the most potent cells, adult definitive hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), occurs within the body of the mouse embryo at midgestation in the AGM region. Similarly, at the equivalent developmental time in the human embryo, the AGM region has been shown to contain multipotent progenitors. Hence, the mouse embryo serves as an excellent model to study hematopoietic development. To further studies on the ontogeny of the adult hematopoietic system, the focus of this unit is on the experimental methods used in analysis of the AGM region. Curr. Protoc. Stem Cell Biol. 4:2A.6.1‐2A.6.25. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
High Level In Vitro Expansion of Murine Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Authors: Sekulovic Sanja , Imren Suzan , Humphries Keith
Published: January 2008

Development of strategies to extensively expand hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in vitro will be a major factor in enhancing the success of a range of transplant‐based therapies for malignant and genetic disorders. In addition to potential clinical applications, the ability to increase the number of HSCs in culture will facilitate investigations into the mechanisms underlying self‐renewal. In this unit, we describe a robust strategy for consistently achieving over 1000‐fold net expansion of HSCs in short‐term in vitro culture by using novel engineered fusions of the N‐terminal domain of nucleoporin 98 (NUP98) and the homeodomain of the hox transcription factor, HOXA10 (so called NUP98‐HOXA10hd fusion). We also provide a detailed protocol for monitoring the magnitude of HSC expansion in culture by limiting dilution assay of competitive lympho‐myeloid repopulating units (CRU Assay). These procedures provide new possibilities for achieving significant numbers of HSCs in culture, as well as for studying HSCs biochemically and genetically. Curr. Protoc. Stem Cell Biol. 4:2A.7.1‐2A.7.14. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Monodispersed Gold Nanorod‐Embedded Silica Particles as Novel Raman Labels for Biosensing
Authors: Wang C. , Chen Y. , Wang T. , Ma Z. , Su Z.
Published: January 2008

Biocompatible, photostable, and multiplexing‐compatible surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopic tagging materials have been developed that are composed of gold nanorod (GNR)‐embedded silica particles and organic Raman labels. GNR‐embedded silica particles were prepared with different surface coverage by the assembly of GNRs on silica particles based on an electrostatic interaction and subsequent coating of silica with controllable thickness. This method allows the incorporation of various organic Raman labels to generate intense surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra. Furthermore, SERS‐active particles are demonstrated as novel Raman tags for immunoassay. The results suggest SERS tags can be used for multiplex and ultrasensitive detection of biomolecules.
Homogeneity of active demyelinating lesions in established multiple sclerosis
Authors: Breij Esther C. W. , Brink Bianca P. , Veerhuis Rob , van den Berg Christa , Vloet Rianka , Yan Riqiang , Dijkstra Christine D. , van der Valk Paul , Bö Lars
Published: January 2008

Objective

Four different patterns of demyelination have been described in active demyelinating lesions of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients that were biopsied shortly after disease onset. These patterns were suggested to represent heterogeneity of the underlying pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to determine whether lesion heterogeneity also exists in an unselected collection of autopsy material from patients with established MS.

Methods

All MS brain tissue available in the VU Medical Center was assessed for the presence of active demyelinating lesions using magnetic resonance imaging–guided sampling and immunohistochemistry. Tissue blocks containing active demyelinating lesions were evaluated for the presence of complement and antibody deposition, oligodendrocyte apoptosis, differential loss of myelin proteins, and hypoxia‐like damage using histology, immunohistochemistry, and confocal microscopy. Blocks with active demyelinating lesions were compared with blocks with active (nondemyelinating) and inactive lesions.

Results

Complement and antibodies were consistently associated with macrophages in areas of active demyelination. Preferential loss of myelin proteins, extensive hypoxia‐like damage, and oligodendrocyte apoptosis were absent or rare. This pattern was observed in all tissue blocks containing active demyelinating lesions; lesion heterogeneity between patients was not found.

Interpretation

The immunopathological appearance of active demyelinating lesions in established MS is uniform. Initial heterogeneity of demyelinating lesions in the earliest phase of MS lesion formation may disappear over time as different pathways converge in one general mechanism of demyelination. Consistent presence of complement, antibodies, and Fcγ receptors in phagocytic macrophages suggests that antibody‐ and complement‐mediated myelin phagocytosis is the dominant mechanism of demyelination in established MS. Ann Neurol 2008;63:16–25
Hysteresis temperature dependence in filled rubbers. II. Mechanical mixing, filler microdispersion, and polymer–filler interactions
Authors: Scurati Alberto , Hergenrother William L. , Lin Chenchy J.
Published: January 2008

The effects of mechanical mixing and filler–filler (F–F) and polymer–filler (P–F) interactions on the normalized state of a filler microdispersion [d(x)] and the viscoelastic properties of silica‐filled rubbers were studied. The rubbers were prepared with or without the addition of n‐octyl‐triethoxysilane (OTES) to modify F–F interactions or coupling agents such as 3‐mercaptopropyl‐trimethoxysilane and 3‐mercaptopropyl‐triethoxysilane (MPTES) to increase P–F interactions. Increased mixing improved d(x) and enhanced the hysteresis temperature dependence (HTD) by giving a higher tan δ value near the compound glass‐transition temperature (Tg) but lowered tan δ at elevated temperatures for stocks containing a coupling agent. The changes in P–F and F–F interactions in rubbers with mixing and subsequent thermal treatment were shown to be responsible for the property differences observed among stocks containing different silanes. Attempts were made to quantify the efficiency for improving d(x) with various silanes. The increased P–F interactions in compounds containing MPTES showed better efficiency for improving d(x) and enhancing HTD in comparison with OTES. It was also demonstrated that the change in hysteresis near Tg was mainly governed by the degree of filler networking, whereas elevated‐temperature hysteresis was strongly influenced by the P–F interactions in compounds. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Structure and surface elemental state analysis of polyimide resin film after carbonization and graphitization
Authors: Zhao Shuo , Shi Zhi‐qiang , Wang Cheng‐yang , Chen Ming‐ming
Published: January 2008

The carbon materials prepared from polyimide (PI) resin film were investigated by TG‐DTG, X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. TG‐DTG study revealed that the weight loss of PI resin film during carbonization occurred in three stages, and the most serious changes occurred at 605.5°C. XRD results indicated that a disorder structure occurred after the carbonization at 600°C and graphite crystallite appeared gradually with increasing the temperature. And PI resin film still presented some characteristics of nongraphitizing carbon, after graphitizing at 2600°C. XPS analysis identified that pyrrole type nitrogen was a main component of surface nitrogen atoms after carbonization. When the temperature reached 2600°C, nitrogen atoms disappeared totally; the reason why oxygen atoms still existed in the material at so high temperature was our subject of interesting matter in the later study. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Effect of foam density on the properties of water blown rigid polyurethane foam
Authors: Thirumal M. , Khastgir Dipak , Singha Nikhil K. , Manjunath B. S. , Naik Y. P.
Published: January 2008

Density is an important parameter that influences the properties and performances of rigid polyurethane foam (PUF). Rigid PUF with different densities were prepared by varying the amount of distilled water as blowing agent. This investigation reports the mechanical, morphological, water absorption, thermal conductivity, and thermal behavior of rigid PUF varying with the density, which controls the foam architecture. The density of the PUF decreased from 116 to 42 kg/m3 with an increase in the amount of water from 0.1 to 3.0 parts per hundred polyol by weight (phr), respectively. It was found that the mechanical properties of the PUFs changed with the foam density. The results of water absorption of the PUFs showed that water absorption increased with decrease in density, due to increase in the cell size and decrease in the cell‐wall thickness. The thermal conductivity measurements showed that the thermal conductivity decreased with increase in density. It was due to the decrease in cell size. The thermal analysis of the PUFs shows that the glass transition temperature increases with the decrease in foam density, but the thermal stability decreases with the decrease in foam density. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Biodegradable polyetheresteramides synthesized from ϵ‐caprolactone, 6‐aminocaproic acid, and poly(ethylene glycol)
Authors: He Yi , Liu Xiaobo , Luo Daowen , Chen Wenjing
Published: January 2008

Biodegradable aliphatic polyetheresteramides copolymers (PEEAs) were synthesized from ϵ‐caprolactone, 6‐aminocaproic acid, and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) by melt‐polycondensation method. FTIR, 1H NMR, differential scanning calorimeter, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis/differential thermogravimetry were used to characterize the PEEAs. The tensile testing, water absorption and hydrolytic degradation behavior were also studied. With the increase in PEG content, the water absorption increased. The rate of hydrolytic degradation depended on the copolymers' hydrophilicity and crystallinity. PEEAs with a relatively low content of PEG still retain good tensile properties. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Real‐time morphological observation of isotactic polypropylene and poly(ethylene‐co‐octene) rubber blend during temperature change
Authors: Ono Michio , Nakajima Ken , Misawa Mayumi , Nishi Toshio
Published: January 2008

In the injection‐ and compression‐molded specimens composed of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) and poly(ethylene‐co‐octene) rubber (EOR) blend, its morphological changes with temperature variation were investigated using an atomic force microscopy equipped with a heater accessory. Phase‐separated sea‐island structures comprising the iPP matrix (sea) and the EOR domains (island) were clearly observed in both specimens. In the injection‐molded specimen, the morphology of the EOR domains was fibrous along flow direction (FD). In the iPP matrix, a stripe‐like structure consisting of alternating iPP crystalline lamellae and amorphous region was clearly observed at room temperature. As increasing temperatures, the iPP amorphous regions seemed to shrink gradually and could not be identified at 80°C. By contrast, in the compression‐molded specimen, the EOR domains were circular in shape, and the alternate structure comprising the iPP crystal lamellae and amorphous regions was also found. At elevated temperatures, the iPP amorphous regions gradually enlarged. The analysis of the apparent activation energy obtained by a dynamic mechanical thermal analysis revealed that the differences in the morphological behavior in the iPP matrix region between the both specimens were attributed to the differences in the mobility in the iPP crystal regions. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Synthesis of polysiloxane–polyester copolymer by lipase‐catalyzed polycondensation
Authors: Guo Li , Zhang Zhijie , Zhu Yangping , Li Junping , Xie Zemin
Published: January 2008

Polysiloxane–polyester copolymers have been synthesized for the first time by direct polycondensation of a series of diacids (butanedioic, hexanedioic, and octanedioic acid) and α,ω‐bis(3‐hydroxypropyl) polydimethylsiloxanes catalyzed with Novozyme‐435 in high yields (>90%) without the cleavage of SiO bonds. The effects of monomer chain length, reaction temperature, and water removal method on the number–average molecular weight (Mn) of the resulted copolymers were investigated. Thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry analyses indicated that the produced copolymer was more thermally stable than poly(1,8‐octyladipate) and the Tg was lowered to −111°C. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Effect of addition of surfactants on the rheology of gels from methylcellulose in N,N‐dimethylformamide
Authors: Kundu Patit P. , Singh Ratan Pal
Published: January 2008

The effect of highly substituted cationic cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), less substituted cationic hexadodecyl ammonium bromide (HDAB), CTAB‐ and HDAB‐modified montmorillonite (CTABMONT and HDABMONT), and nonionic surfactants on the rheological properties of methylcellulose (MC) N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) gels have been studied. The storage modulus of the MC‐MDF gels increases with an increase in frequency. During the frequency scan, the storage and loss modulus of MC‐DMF gel crosses over each other at two different frequencies. At the crossover points, the loss tangent is found to be unity. The addition of CTAB‐ and HDAB‐modified nanofiller increases in the gel strength of MC‐DMF gel. The storage modulus of MC‐DMF gel in the presence of CTABMONT is found to be higher than that of CTAB‐modified MC‐DMF gel. Whereas, the storage modulus of MC‐DMF gel in the presence of HDABMONT is lower than that of HDAB‐modified MC‐DMF gel. On the other hand, the addition of nonionic surfactant (Brij78) decreases the gel strength. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Electrodeposition of high quality and freestanding poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorene‐co‐thiophene) films with good fluorescence properties
Authors: Wang Xingcong , Chen Bing , Xu Jingkun , Zhou Weiqiang , Pu Shouzhi
Published: January 2008

The copolymerization of 9,9‐dioctylfluorene (DOF) and thiophene (Th) was successfully achieved by direct anodic oxidation of monomer mixtures on platinum or stainless steel electrodes in boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BFEE) containing additional 20% diethyl ether (by volume). The incorporation of Th units can produce high quality and freestanding poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorene‐co‐thiophene) [poly(Th‐co‐DOF)] films with tunable fluorescence properties. As‐formed copolymers were characterized by cyclic voltammetry, infrared, UV–visible, fluorescence spectroscopy, and thermal analysis. Copolymers films showed good electrochemical behavior and thermal stability. Fluorescence spectral studies indicated that the copolymer films have strong emissions from 390 to 500 nm, making them good candidates for application as blue–green light‐emitting materials. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Aging Effects on the Mongolian Gerbil Female Prostate (Skene's Paraurethral Glands): Structural, Ultrastructural, Quantitative, and Hormonal Evaluations
Authors: Custodio Ana Maria G. , Santos Fernanda C.A. , Campos Silvana G.P. , Vilamaior Patricia S.L. , Góes Rejane M. , Taboga SebastiãO R.
Published: January 2008

Different from the classic view, the prostate is not a gland exclusive to the male, also being an organ of the female genital system presenting morphofunctional similarity between human and rodent. Thus structural, ultrastructural, morphometric‐stereological features of the female prostate (Skene's paraurethral gland) and steroid serological levels were evaluated during young, adult, and senile ages in the Mongolian gerbil. The morphofunctional precocity of the female gland in comparison with the male gland occurring in young gland is probably associated with the female circulating steroid levels. The hormonal imbalance in senesce coincides with its susceptibility to histopathological lesions, such as epithelial hypertrophy, metaplasia, and intraepithelial neoplasia. Differently than that of males, the aging degeneration of the female gland involves the accumulation of lipofuscin granules. However, the alterations in senile prostate did not damage its functionality. These analyses reinforce the use of this experimental model for the comprehension of glandular morphofunctional aspects with special attention to senescence. Thus, the appreciation of this organ becomes relevant to avoid future discomfort to women's health. Anat Rec, 291:463–474, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Epithelial Cell Rests of Malassez and OX6‐Immunopositive Cells in the Periodontal Ligament of Rat Molars: A Light and Transmission Electron Microscope Study
Authors: Tadokoro Osamu , Radunovic Vaska , Inoue Katsuhiro
Published: January 2008

It has been shown that human and cat epithelial cell rests of Malassez (ERM) consist of heterogeneous cell populations. Immunohistochemical and immunoelectron microscopic analyses have verified the presence of neuroendocrine and Merkel‐like cells in both of these epithelia. During experimental orthodontic tooth movement, immunocompetent cells have also been found in the vicinity of ERM in rat periodontal ligament (PDL), but have not been characterized in normal rat PDL. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence and distribution of MHC class II antigen presenting cells by using OX6 antibody in ERM of rat molars by light and transmission electron microscopy. Immunohistochemical and immunoelectron microscopic observations of rat maxillary molars confirmed the presence of OX6‐positive cells in contact with ERM. Some immunopositive cytoplasmic processes containing vesicles interdigitated with cells of the Malassez epithelial clusters. Based on these findings it can be concluded that immunocompetent cells are localized close to Malassez epithelial clusters in normal rat PDL. Furthermore, the ultrastructural evidences indicate a possible interaction between the epithelial and immunocompent cells and suggest morphological and functional properties for ERM. Anat Rec, 291:242–253, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Final kissing balloon inflation by classic crush stenting did not improve the clinical outcomes for the treatment of unprotected left main bifurcation lesions: The importance of double‐kissing crush technique
Authors: Chen Shaoliang , Zhang Junjie , Ye Fei , Chen Yundai , Fang Weiyi , Wei Meng , He Ben , Sun Xuewen , Yang Song , Kwan Tak W.
Published: January 2008

Background:

The mechanisms contributing to final kissing balloon inflation between classic crush and double‐kissing (DK) crush stenting techniques for the treatment of coronary bifurcation lesions contrast. The authors compared the clinical outcomes in patients with unprotected distal left main bifurcation lesions treated by classic crush or DK crush stenting techniques.

Methods:

Thirty‐seven patients with unprotected left main bifurcation lesions were selected (20 in classic crush, 17 in DK crush groups) from a prospective, multicenter, randomized DKCRUSH‐1 BIFURCATION STUDY. Clinical and angiographic data were analyzed.

Results:

Follow‐up was available for all patients. There were significant differences of the bifurcation angle between the classic and the DK crush group (83.28 ± 20.69)0 vs. (67.71 ± 26.35)0, P = 0.02). Unsatisfactory kissing rate in the classic group was significantly higher (26.32% vs. 5.88%, P = 0.01). The acute gain in the side branch was greater in the DK crush stent group (1.48 ± 0.50 mm vs. 1.36 ± 0.55 mm, P = 0.03). The accumulative restenosis rate in the main vessel segments, side branch, and accumulative MACE were higher in the classic group than the DK crush group (13.39% vs. 5.12%, P = 0.058, 42.10% vs. 5.88%, P = 0.01, 42.10% vs. 5.82%, P = 0.001, respectively). By logistic regression, acute gain in side branch immediately after PCI, bifurcation angle and unsatisfactory kissing were three independent factors of TLR at 8‐month follow‐up.

Conclusion:

Classic crush stenting with final kissing balloon inflations did not improve the clinical outcomes for the treatment of left main bifurcation lesion when compared with DK crush stenting technique. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Understanding Lead Chemistry from Topological Insights: The Transition between Holo‐ and Hemidirected Structures within the [Pb(CO)n]2+ Model Series
Authors: Gourlaouen Christophe , Gérard Hélène , Piquemal Jean‐Philip , Parisel Olivier
Published: January 2008

In this Contribution, we focus to the currently unknown [Pb(CO)n]2+ model series (n=1 to 10), a set of compounds which allows us to investigate in‐depth the holo‐ and hemidirectional character that lead complexes can exhibit. By means of DFT computations performed using either relativistic four‐component formalisms coupled to all‐electron basis sets for [Pb(CO)]2+, [Pb(OC)]2+ and [Pb(CO)2]2+, or scalar relativistic pseudopotentials for higher n values, the structure and the energetics of these species are investigated. The results are complemented by Constrained Space Orbital Variations (CSOV) and Electron Localization Function (ELF) comprehensive analyses in order to get better insights into the poorly documented chemical fundamentals of the Pb2+ cation. Whereas the discrimination between holo‐ and hemidirected structures is usually done according to the geometry, we here provide a quantitative indicator grounded on 〈ρ〉V(Pb), the mean charge density of the valence monosynaptic V(Pb) ELFic basin associated to the metal cation. Free‐enthalpy relying discussions show, moreover, that those gas‐phase complexes having n=7, 8 or 9 may be experimentally instable and should dissociate into [Pb(CO)6]2+ and a number of CO ligands. According to second‐order differences in energy, it is anticipated that the n=3 or 6 structures should be the most probable structures in the gas phase. Gathering all data from the present theoretical study allows us to propose some concepts that the versatile structural chemistry of Pb2+ complexes could rely on.
Wall laws for fluid flows at a boundary with random roughness
Authors: Basson Arnaud , Gérard‐Varet David
Published: January 2008

The general concern of this paper is the effect of rough boundaries on fluids. We consider a stationary flow, governed by incompressible Navier‐Stokes equations, in an infinite domain bounded by two horizontal rough plates. The roughness is modeled by a spatially homogeneous random field, with characteristic size ε. A mathematical analysis of the flow for small ε is performed. The Navier's wall law is rigorously deduced from this analysis. This substantially extends former results obtained in the case of periodic roughness, notably in [16, 17]. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fine‐needle aspiration cytology of Hürthle cell carcinoma of the thyroid
Authors: Wu Howard Her‐Juing , Clouse Jolene , Ren Rulong
Published: January 2008

Specific criteria for the diagnosis of fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) of Hürthle Cell Carcinoma (HCC) have rarely been discussed in the literature. A retrospective review of 35 FNA cases with the diagnosis of Hürthle cell lesion or Hürthle cell neoplasm was performed. In each case, there was a subsequent surgical excision. The FNA specimens were divided according to histologic diagnoses as HCC (12 cases), Hürthle cell adenoma (HCA) (14 cases), and benign nonneoplastic Hürthle cell lesions (BNHCL) (9 cases). Each case was examined using a semiquantitative scoring system for the following 11 features: presence or absence of colloid, lymphocytes, and transgressed blood vessels (each scored 0 or 1); the percentage of nuclear enlargement, small cell dysplasia, large cell dysplasia, nuclear crowding, and cellular dyshesion (each scored 0–3); and age, gender, and size of lesion. When diagnosed by FNA as either Hürthle cell neoplasm or Hürthle cell lesion, males were much more likely to have malignant tumors than females. Statistically significant cytologic features that favored malignant (HCC) over benign lesions (HCA and BNHCL) included small cell dysplasia, large cell dysplasia, nuclear crowding, and cellular dyshesion. The presence of colloid and lymphocytes favored a benign lesion. Nuclear enlargement and large tumor size are significantly more common in neoplasms than BNHCL. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:149–154. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pulmonary mesothelioma in bronchioalveolar lavage: A case report
Authors: Akinfolarin Josephine , Black Andrea , Al‐Abbadi Mousa
Published: January 2008

Mesothelioma is a neoplasm arising from the mesothelial cells lining the body serosal surfaces. The frequent primary sites include the pleura followed by the peritoneum and rarely the pericardium. Pleural mesothelioma encases the lung and fills the pleural space, which limits the lungs' ability to expand. The initial diagnosis requires the presence of characteristic clinical, radiological, and pathological features. A thorough review of the English language literature found no reports where a diagnosis of mesothelioma was made on material originating from bronchioalveolar lavage (BAL). We report a case of lung parenchymal involvement by mesothelioma shedding cells in BAL specimen. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:190–192. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fine‐needle aspiration cytological features of Cherubism
Authors: Jing Xin , Pu Robert T.
Published: January 2008

Cherubism is a rare benign, non‐neoplastic condition characterized by facial alteration due to symmetrically expansion of bilateral mandibles and maxillas. A fine‐needle aspiration of a right cheek mass was performed in a 17‐year‐old teenager who was previously diagnosed Cherubism. The smears showed moderate cellularity with spindle cells mixed with multinucleated giant cells of osteoclast type. The cells appeared bland with normal nuclear/cytoplasm ratio. The nuclei were round or oval with smooth nuclear membranes and fine, evenly distributed chromatin. These cytologic features were considered consistent with but not diagnostic of Cherubism. Clinical correlations are needed in distinguishing Cherubism from other lesions containing giant cells. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:188–189. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fine needle aspiration in the diagnosis of subcutaneous cysticercosis
Authors: Handa Uma , Garg Shailja , Mohan Harsh
Published: January 2008

Human cysticercosis commonly manifests as subcutaneous and intramuscular nodules. The current study highlights the role of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in the diagnosis of subcutaneous cysticercosis. One hundred and twenty two patients with subcutaneous swellings, diagnosed as cysticercus or suspicious of parasitic inflammation on FNAC, were included in the present study. The relevant clinical data, cytomorphological findings, and histopathological findings, wherever available were evaluated. In 57 cases, a definite evidence of cysticercus was obtained in the form of fragments of parasite bladder wall, hooklets, or intact larva. Out of these, biopsy correlation was available in 10 cases, eight of which failed to reveal any parasite. In 65 cases, larval fragments could not be identified on aspirates, and the diagnosis of parasitic inflammation was suggested on the basis of other cytomorphological findings, which are discussed. In 22 of these cases, a biopsy correlation was available, which revealed definite parasitic elements in six cases and the remaining 16 cases were reported as suggestive of parasitic cysts. Thus, to conclude, FNAC is a reliable and cost effective procedure for the diagnosis of subcutaneous parasitic nodules. It obviates the need for a subsequent histopathological examination, as the parasite may not be demonstrated even on biopsy specimens. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:183–187. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Recent Developments in Microwave‐Assisted, Transition‐Metal‐Catalysed C–C and C–N Bond‐Forming Reactions
Authors: Appukkuttan Prasad , Van der Eycken Erik
Published: January 2008

A selective overview of the recent developments of microwave‐assisted, transition‐metal‐catalysed C–C and C–N bond‐forming reactions is presented. Microwave‐assisted chemistry is a comparatively novel technique in the present‐day synthetic world and has recently grown in an exponential manner, stretching from academia to a widely practiced technique in industry. Transition‐metal‐catalysed C–C and C–N bond‐forming reactions represent one of the most interesting and well‐investigated type of microwave‐assisted reactions, evident from the plethora of available literature and patents in this area. Given the large number of articles published on the subject, we have made a very concise selection from the recent literature, covering manuscripts dealing with the subject from the period of the end 2004 until the first part of 2007.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Electrokinetic separation of charged macromolecules in nanochannels within the continuum regime: Effects of wall interactions and hydrodynamic confinements
Authors: Das Siddhartha , Chakraborty Suman
Published: January 2008

In this paper, a detailed continuum‐based theoretical model is proposed to investigate the effects of near‐wall potentials and hydrodynamic confinement on separation of charged macromolecules in channels of nanoscale dimensions. These wall effects are primarily confined within a few nanometers from the channel wall, and hence have negligible influences in the conventional electrokinetic separation methods that are routinely performed in microchannels. However, in nanochannels, their zone of influence becomes significant in comparison to the channel height, thereby inducing certain nontrivial effects on the resultant separation characteristics. By executing a regular perturbation analysis, it is established that depending on the macromolecular size relative to the channel height and the extent of electrical double layer (EDL) interactions, the wall forces decide the speed of traverse and the extent of spreading (dispersion) of the macromolecular bands. These factors combine together to finally decide the separation characteristics (quantified by the resolution of separation) of the charged macromolecules in nanochannels. It is demonstrated that because of the near‐wall effects, macromolecular pairs with less disparities in sizes give rise to higher values of resolution. Moreover, the wall‐induced influences are shown to magnify the resolution for any given pair of macromolecules in the nanofluidic systems, thereby signifying greater separation efficiency.
On forecasting counts
Authors: Sutradhar Brajendra C.
Published: January 2008

Forecasting for a time series of low counts, such as forecasting the number of patents to be awarded to an industry, is an important research topic in socio‐economic sectors. Recently (2004), Freeland and McCabe introduced a Gaussian type stationary correlation model‐based forecasting which appears to work well for the stationary time series of low counts. In practice, however, it may happen that the time series of counts will be non‐stationary and also the series may contain over‐dispersed counts. To develop the forecasting functions for this type of non‐stationary over‐dispersed data, the paper provides an extension of the stationary correlation models for Poisson counts to the non‐stationary correlation models for negative binomial counts. The forecasting methodology appears to work well, for example, for a US time series of polio counts, whereas the existing Bayesian methods of forecasting appear to encounter serious convergence problems. Further, a simulation study is conducted to examine the performance of the proposed forecasting functions, which appear to work well irrespective of whether the time series contains small or large counts. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.