bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solving chemical classification problems using polarized Raman data
Authors: Hassing S. , Jernshøj K. D. , Hedegaard M.
Published: May 2010

When solving chemical classification problems, multivariate analysis has proven to be an important mathematical tool. Unpolarized spectroscopic data, IR, NIR, and UV‐Visible absorption data and unpolarized vibrational Raman data, are typically analyzed by two‐way chemometric methods, e.g. principal component analysis (PCA). When the unpolarized spectra of the different molecules are almost identical, the PCA results in low recognition ratios or even fails. In contrast to absorption processes, Raman scattering can provide polarized data. It is shown, by using mathematical simulations, that the outcome of the PCA can be improved considerably by using the polarized, vibrational Raman data instead of the unpolarized data. The improvement stems from the increased amount of molecular information, which is now available for the PCA of the vibrational data, because the polarization properties of the scattering, expressed through the depolarization ratio (DPR), is very sensitive to small changes in distinct molecular properties and insensitive to sample and experimental variations. For molecules possessing some symmetry, a change of the DPR may be induced by a decrease in symmetry and for highly symmetric molecules non‐dispersive Raman modes typically become dispersive. For dispersive modes, a wavenumber‐dependant change of the DPR may also result from a small energy shift of an allowed electronic transition. We show that the increased information content inherently present in the polarized data, opens up new possibilities for combining the solution of classification problems with an unveiling of details of the different properties and processes in bio‐physic due to various perturbations and changes of the structure of the bio‐molecules. It is also demonstrated that the increased access to molecular information enables in vitro detection of molecular changes often encountered when analyzing biological functions, which are reflected in changes in the excited electronic states. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Time‐lapse Raman imaging of single live lymphocytes
Authors: Pully V. V. , Lenferink A. T. M. , Otto C.
Published: May 2010

We present time‐lapse Raman imaging (TLRI) of living cells as a new approach in label‐free chemical imaging through non‐electronic resonant, spontaneous Raman microspectroscopy. Raman hyperspectral datacubes of individual live peripheral blood lymphocytes were successively acquired. The Raman imaging time per voxel, with a volume of 0.3 fl, was 100 ms and the total image time of a 32 × 32 pixels image was less than 2 min. Multiple images of an individual cell have been obtained. A full series of TLRI images typically resulted in more than 1.6 million data points per image. We analyzed the datasets using hierarchical cluster analysis. A fingerprint of molecular changes was observed before the cell was blebbing. The molecular fingerprint was related to a gradual disappearance of the Raman signal from carotenoids. Concomitant changes occurred in the CH stretch high wavenumber region, presumably due to a change in the protein and lipid environment of carotenoids. These changes were smaller than 5% of the total signal at 2937 cm−1. We hypothesize that the lipid environment of the carotenoids changes as a result of the photophysics in the carotenoid molecules. The detectability of carotenoids was shown to be 2.3 µMper voxel, which corresponds to 415 molecules. TLRI enables high‐speed chemical imaging not only in the intense high wavenumber region of the Raman spectrum, but particularly in the more informative fingerprint region between 500 and 1800 cm−1. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A study of the effects of land use changes on soil physical properties and organic matter
Authors: Haghighi F. , Gorji M. , Shorafa M.
Published: May 2010

Changes in land use can significantly affect soil properties. This study was conducted in the Taleghan watershed of Tehran Province, Iran, to determine the effects of land use changes on soil organic matter (SOM) and soil physical properties including soil aggregate stability, saturated hydraulic conductivity, infiltration rate, available water content, total porosity and bulk density (BD). In the present study, two sites contained adjacent land uses of natural pasture and dryland farming were selected. Soil samples were taken from depths of 0–15 and 15–30 cm for each land use. The results indicated that the conversion of natural pasture to dryland farming led to a significant decrease in SOM at 0–30 cm in the first and second sites (24.7 and 44.2%, respectively). In addition, a significant increase in BD was observed at a depth of 0–30 cm in dryland farm soils (1.39 g cm–3) compared to pastureland (1.20 g cm–3) at the first site. An increase in BD was also observed at the same depth of dryland farm soils (1.46 g cm–3) and pastureland soils (1.42 g cm–3) at the second site. In addition, total porosity, mean‐weight diameter of aggregates, saturated hydraulic conductivity, available water content and estimated final infiltration rate showed significant differences between land uses. The results showed that the conversion of natural pasture to dryland farming alters soil properties that negatively affect soil productivity and erodibility. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Homogenization of transport problems and semigroups
Authors: Bernard Etienne , Golse François , Salvarani Francesco
Published: May 2010

In some cases, the homogenization of evolution differential equations whose solution is given by the action of a semigroup on their initial data may lead to evolution problems with a completely different structure, usually integro‐differential equations whose dynamics is not defined by a semigroup, but involves memory effects. A typical example is the homogenization—or discretization—of opacities in radiative transfer. In this paper, we propose a formulation of homogenized equations in terms of a semigroup acting on an enlarged phase space (i.e. on functions involving more variables than in the original problem). Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deterministic effective equations for the propagation of expectation in noisy nonlinear optical fibers
Authors: Barletti L. , Busoni G.
Published: May 2010

We consider electromagnetic propagation in optical fibers as described by a nonlinear Schrödinger equation. The equation is endowed with input data representing a signal affected by a Gaussian white noise. Assuming both the nonlinearity and the noise to be small of the same order ε, we derive a hierarchy, at various orders in ε, of deterministic effective equations for the expectation of the propagated signal. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
FYN‐dependent muscle–immune interaction after sciatic nerve injury
Authors: Hanwei Huang , Zhao Hui
Published: May 2010

Denervation of skeletal muscles results in loss of muscle mass and contractile force. Recent evidence suggests that local immune system activation plays a key role in these processes, but the mechanisms underlying muscle–immune system cross‐talk are not understood. The purpose of this study was to address the mechanisms by which muscle responds to denervation and to elucidate the specific role played by FYN in local immune system activation. We studied initial events taking place in the gastrocnemius of wild‐type and Fyn−/− mice following sciatic nerve transection. Discontinuous sucrose gradient centrifugation was used to prepare lipid rafts at different time‐points (1, 7, and 14 days) after surgery. Activation of FYN, cytokine expression (IL‐1β and TNF‐α), and T‐cell activation (CD3 and IL‐15) were followed by in vitro kinase assays, enzyme‐linked immunoassay (ELISA), Western blotting, and immunoprecipitation. Sciatic nerve injury resulted in increased SRC kinase activity in gastrocnemius lipid rafts. Production of both IL‐1β and TNF‐α was increased, peaking after 1 day, followed after 7 and 14 days by upregulation of IL‐15 and CD3 expression and the development of caveolin‐3 and CD3 complexes. The integrity of lipid rafts and the upregulation of SRC kinase activity, cytokine expression, and T‐cell activation and cross‐talk with muscle cells following denervation were abolished in Fyn−/− mice. The integrity of FYN‐dependent lipid rafts is required for local immune system activation within denervated muscle, and lipid rafts are implicated in orchestrating muscle–immune‐cell cross‐talk. These results are likely to provide new insights into the therapy of neuromuscular injury. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Effect of motor imagery and voluntary muscle contraction on the F wave
Authors: Hara Motohiko , Kimura Jun , Walker D. David , Taniguchi Shinichirou , Ichikawa Hiroo , Fujisawa Reiko , Shimizu Hiroshi , Abe Tatsuya , Yamada Thoru , Kayamori Ryoji , Mizutani Tomohiko
Published: May 2010

We tested the validity of instructing patients to minimally contract the muscle to facilitate F‐wave recording in clinical practice. In 12 healthy subjects, F waves were recorded from the first dorsal interosseous muscle at rest, during motor imagery, and at up to 30% of the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). F‐wave persistence increased significantly from 32.5 ± 11.9% (mean ± SD) at rest to 58.3 ± 15.2% during motor imagery and 90.0 ± 8.7% during 3% MVC. It then remained the same during stepwise changes to and from 30% MVC before decreasing significantly from 80.8 ± 18.5% during 3% MVC to 48.7 ± 23.8% during motor imagery and 27.0 ± 16.0% at rest. The trial average of F‐wave amplitude showed a similar pattern of facilitation. Motor imagery enhances F‐wave persistence and amplitude, which further increase with a slight muscle contraction and show no additional change with a stronger effort. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Relationship between muscle fiber type and tendon properties in young males
Authors: Kubo Keitaro , Ikebukuro Toshihiro
Published: May 2010

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the estimated muscle fiber type and tendon properties in human knee extensors and plantar flexors (n = 50). Measurements included time‐to‐peak twitch torque (TPT) and tendon properties. TPT did not correlate significantly with the maximal elongation and stiffness of tendon. In conclusion, we found that the muscle fiber type was not related to the properties of tendons. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Electromagnetic ventilation: First evaluation of a new method for artificial ventilation in humans
Authors: Sander Björn H. , Dieck Thorben , Homrighausen Felix , Tschan Christoph A. , Steffens Jan , Raymondos Konstantinos
Published: May 2010

Current methods of artificial ventilation cannot prevent diverse problems associated with mechanical ventilation. In contrast to all current forms of mechanical ventilation, electromagnetic stimulation can activate respiratory muscles directly. However, it is not known if and to what extent electromagnetic stimulation can ventilate humans. In 10 volunteers we stimulated the lateral neck using magnetic stimulators. Over 63 s we stimulated nine times with a frequency of 25 HZ for 1.1 s using 600 V, 900 V, and 1,200 V. The minimum stimulation time for each volunteer was 9 min. A Capnomac monitor measured minute ventilation. Electromagnetic stimulation was well tolerated and safe. Bilateral stimulation with 600 V achieved considerable minute ventilation (median ± SD, 7.2 ± 3.4 L/min) that increased at higher voltage levels (P < 0.0001). 900 V achieved sufficient minute ventilation in all volunteers (11.5 ± 5.0 L/min; 1200 V, 14.0 ± 4.9 L/min). This first evaluation of electromagnetic ventilation demonstrates that it can be used to ventilate humans sufficiently. This method may be developed to a new mode of ventilation. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Eccentric contractions induce rapid isometric torque drop in dystrophin‐deficient dogs
Authors: Tegeler Christopher J. , Grange Robert W. , Bogan Daniel J. , Markert Chad D. , Case Doug , Kornegay Joe N. , Childers Martin K.
Published: May 2010

We tested the hypothesis that eccentric contractions (ECCs) rapidly induce greater‐than‐normal isometric torque drop in dystrophin‐deficient golden retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) muscles. ECCs were imposed by forcibly stretching activated muscles. The results indicate that isometric torque drop was greater in GRMD versus controls (P < 0.0001). Our findings support the hypothesis that ECCs induce greater‐than‐normal isometric torque drop in GRMD muscles. The magnitude of ECC‐induced isometric torque loss may be an ideal clinical endpoint in the GRMD model. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Effect of prior exercise on thermal sensitivity of malignant hyperthermia‐susceptible muscle
Authors: Corona Benjamin T. , Hamilton Susan L. , Ingalls Christopher P.
Published: May 2010

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) episodes may occur upon exposure to halogenated anesthetics, during resistance and endurance exercise, and in response to thermal stress. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of prior eccentric and concentric (i.e., wheel running) exercise on the thermal sensitivity of isolated MH‐susceptible mouse muscle (RyR1Y522S/wt). Eccentric, but not concentric, exercise attenuated the thermal sensitivity of MH‐susceptible muscle. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Distributed model predictive control based on a cooperative game
Authors: Maestre J. M. , Muñoz de la Peña D. , Camacho E. F.
Published: May 2010

In this work we propose a distributed model predictive control scheme based on a cooperative game in which two different agents communicate in order to find a solution to the problem of controlling two constrained linear systems coupled through the inputs. We assume that each agent only has partial information of the model and the state of the system. In the proposed scheme, the agents communicate twice each sampling time in order to share enough information to take a cooperative decision. We provide sufficient conditions that guarantee practical stability of the closed‐loop system as well as an optimization‐based procedure to design the controller so that these conditions are satisfied. The theoretical results and the design procedure are illustrated using two different examples. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of novel synthetic method of carbon nanotubes from electrospun polystyrene fibers by using microwave heating
Authors: Ohta Tomohiro , Ito Takeru , Shimizu Masahiro , Tauchi Lisa , Nguyen‐Tran Huy‐Danh , Park Jong‐Chul , Kim Byoung‐Suhk , Kim Ick‐Soo , Ohta Kazuchika
Published: May 2010

We have developed a novel synthetic method that enables us to easily synthesize metal‐capsulated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in a laboratory by using a combined technology of electrospinning‐metallization and microwave heating. These techniques greatly shorten the time for the synthesis of the CNTs in comparison with the conventional methods. TEM analysis confirmed a successful formation of the CNTs, and the resulting CNTs were multi‐walled and found to be about 25–100 nm in diameters. The products prepared by heating at 600 and 900°C exhibited less‐developed and strongly curved CNTs, whereas the products prepared by heating at 700 and 800°C relatively well‐developed long CNTs. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Precipitation polymerization in acetonitrile and 1‐propanol mixture: synthesis of monodisperse poly(styrene‐co‐divinylbenzene) microspheres with clean and smooth surface
Authors: Jiang Hongyan , Chen Hou , Zong Guangxi , Liu Xin , Liang Ying , Tan Zhi
Published: May 2010

Precipitation polymerization of styrene (St)–divinylbenzene (DVB) has been carried out using acetonitrile/1‐propanol mixture as the reaction media and 2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as initiator. Monodisperse micron‐sized poly(St‐co‐DVB) microspheres with clean and smooth surface were synthesized in the absence of any stabilizing agent such as surfactants or steric stabilizers. The effects of various polymerization parameters such as 1‐propanol fraction in the reaction media, initiator and total monomer concentration, DVB content, polymerization time and polymerization temperature on the morphology, particle size and size distribution were investigated. It was found that smoothly shaped stable particles were obtained when less than 70 vol% of 1‐propanol was used in the media. The particle size increased with the AIBN concentration, whereas the change of uniformity was less obvious. Monodisperse microspheres were obtained when the total monomers loading ranged from 0.5 to 3 vol%. The particle diameter ranged from 2.73 to 1.87 µm with an increasing DVB content and the uniformity was enhanced. In addition, the yield of microspheres increased with the increasing total monomer, initiator, and DVB concentration and polymerization time. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How sequence directs bending in tropomyosin and other two‐stranded alpha‐helical coiled coils
Authors: Brown Jerry H.
Published: May 2010

A quantitative analysis of the direction of bending of two‐stranded alpha‐helical coiled coils in crystal structures has been carried out to help determine how the amino acid sequence of the coiled coil influences its shape and function. Change in the axial staggering of the coiled coil, occurring at the boundaries of either clusters of core alanines in tropomyosin or of clusters of core bulky residues in the myosin rod, causes bending within the plane of the local dimer. The results also reveal that large gaps in the core of the coiled coil, which are seen for small core residues near large core residues or for unbranched core residues near canonical branched core residues, are correlated with bending out of the local dimeric plane. Comparison of tropomyosin structures determined in independent crystal environments provides further evidence for the concept that sequence directs the bending of the coiled coil, but that crystal environment is at least as important as sequence for determining the magnitude of bending. Tropomyosin thus appears to consist of more directionally restrained hinge‐like joints rather than directionally variable universal joints, which helps account for and predicts the geometric and dynamic nature of its binding to F‐actin.
The application of an aryl hydrazine linker prevents ß‐elimination side products in the SPPS of C‐terminal cysteine peptides
Authors: Ni Shuaijian , Zhang Huibin , Huang Wenlong , Zhou Jinpei , Qian Hai , Chen Wei
Published: May 2010

Solid‐phase synthesis allows for the preparation of some complex cysteine‐containing peptides with both a high yield and purity. However, side reactions during chain elongation such as modification of amino acid residues have been found in C‐terminal cysteine peptides. We identified 3‐(1‐piperidinyl)‐alanine peptides, corroborated the mechanism of the side reaction, and introduced an efficient approach for the Fmoc‐based synthesis of C‐terminal cysteine peptides using an aryl hydrazine linker. Copyright © 2010 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Automatic identification of otological drilling faults: an intelligent recognition algorithm
Authors: Cao Tianyang , Li Xisheng , Gao Zhiqiang , Feng Guodong , Shen Peng
Published: May 2010

Background

This article presents an intelligent recognition algorithm that can recognize milling states of the otological drill by fusing multi‐sensor information.

Methods

An otological drill was modified by the addition of sensors. The algorithm was designed according to features of the milling process and is composed of a characteristic curve, an adaptive filter and a rule base. The characteristic curve can weaken the impact of the unstable normal milling process and reserve the features of drilling faults. The adaptive filter is capable of suppressing interference in the characteristic curve by fusing multi‐sensor information. The rule base can identify drilling faults through the filtering result data.

Results

The experiments were repeated on fresh porcine scapulas, including normal milling and two drilling faults. The algorithm has high rates of identification.

Conclusions

This study shows that the intelligent recognition algorithm can identify drilling faults under interference conditions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Uncoating of human rhinoviruses
Authors: Fuchs Renate , Blaas Dieter
Published: May 2010

Human rhinoviruses (HRVs) are a major cause of the common cold. The more than one hundred serotypes, divided into species HRV‐A and HRV‐B, either bind intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (major group viruses) or members of the low‐density lipoprotein receptor (minor group viruses) for cell entry. Some major group HRVs can also access the host cell via heparan sulphate proteoglycans. The cell attachment protein(s) of the recently discovered phylogenetic clade HRV‐C is unknown. The respective receptors direct virus uptake via clathrin‐dependent or independent endocytosis or via macropinocytosis. Triggered by ICAM‐1 and/or the low pH environment in endosomes the virions undergo conformational alterations giving rise to hydrophobic subviral particles. These are handed over from the receptors to the endosomal membrane. According to the current view, the RNA genome is released through an opening at one of the fivefold axes of the icosahedral capsid and crosses the membrane through a pore presumably formed by viral proteins. Alternatively, the membrane may be ruptured allowing subviral particles and RNA to enter the cytosol. Whether a channel is formed or the membrane is disrupted most probably depends on the respective HRV receptor. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An overview of S‐DMB system and the testbed for satellite–mobile convergence services
Authors: Chung Kuik , Yu Jaehwang
Published: May 2010

This paper presents the system and architecture of Satellite‐Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (S‐DMB) in Korea. TU Media Corp., the S‐DMB service company, now delivers 21 video channels, 16 audio channels including premium channels to subscribers in Korea. This service provides a high quality of reception with full coverage for the Korean peninsular at travelling speeds of over 300 km/h. A testbed system has been developed to prove the viability of the satellite–mobile convergence services. In this paper, the S‐DMB system and testbed system are described. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two‐stage selective sampling for anomaly detection: analysis and evaluation
Authors: Androulidakis Georgios , Papavassiliou Symeon
Published: May 2010

Sampling has become an essential component of scalable Internet traffic monitoring and anomaly detection. This paper emphasizes on the analysis and evaluation of the impact of two‐stage sampling (TSS) techniques on network anomaly detection. Through the positive exploitation of the fact that sampled traffic is an incomplete and simultaneously biased approximation of the underlying traffic trace, we propose and analyze an enhanced two‐stage selective sampling approach, where an intelligent flow‐based sampling method that focuses on the selection of small flows that are usually the source of malicious traffic, is adopted. The performance evaluation of the impact of TSS on the anomaly detection process is achieved through the use and application of an entropy‐based anomaly detection method on a packet trace with data that has been collected from a real operational university campus network. The corresponding results demonstrate that the proposed approach improves and favors anomaly detection effectiveness, while at the same time reduces the number of sampled data, and in most cases achieves to even outperform the corresponding results of the unsampled case. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An ARXPS study of the passivating layer formed on III‐V surface by an innovative anodic treatment in liquid ammonia
Authors: Gonçalves A.‐M. , Bouttemy M. , El Ali O. , Eb A. , Mathieu C. , Vigneron J. , Etcheberry A. , White R. , Mack P.
Published: May 2010

An innovative treatment of III‐V surface is evidenced in liquid ammonia (NH3 liq). This treatment is performed by a controlled anodic electrochemical process at the interface.1 This control provides a novel and reproducible passivation of the InP surface.1

The surface coating prevents the formation of oxides for over a year.1 The low anodic charge (≈1 mC.cm−2 range) spent for the process concurrently involves a weak electrochemical dissolution of InP surface and ammonia oxidation which trigger the passivation process.1 Studies using either cyclic voltammetry or galvanostatic treatment followed by XPS measurements show that the surface is successfully passivated by an ultrathin film associating phosphorus and nitrogen atoms in a quasi‐monolayer structure. Reproducible XPS data indicate that the ratio between nitrogen and phosphorus atoms in the film is close to two. High resolution N1s spectra reveal a double structure of the peaks, indicating that two chemical environments must be considered to describe the nitrogen atoms neighboring in this capping film. Information about the spatial film organization are investigated by angular‐resolved XPS depth profiles analysis. Experiments are performed with a Thermo Fisher Scientific Theta Probe XPS spectrometer which exhibits an innovative ARXPS acquisition mode. The evolution of the respective contributions of P and N or In signals, perpendicularly to the surface, permit to propose a paving of the surface with a polyphospazene like film. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bandgap determination and charge separation in Ag@TiO2 core shell nanoparticle films
Authors: Tunc Ilknur , Bruns Michael , Gliemann Hartmut , Grunze Michael , Koelsch Patrick
Published: May 2010

The photocatalytic activity of TiO2 under sunlight irradiation depends on the bandgap energy. Due to the relatively low solar intensity in the UV region (<10%) and the fact that the bandgap of TiO2 is usually greater than 3 eV (below 400 nm), many attempts have been made to shift the bandgap towards lower energies. Here, we investigate the structure, chemical composition, bandgap shift and charge transfer processes of Ag@TiO2 core‐shell nanoparticle thin films by field emission scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, XPS, and UV‐Vis spectroscopy. As a solid support, Au‐coated Si wafers and Si surface covered with a native oxide were used and homogenously covered by Ag@TiO2 core‐shell nanoparticles with overall film thicknesses of 80–100 nm and size distributions between 8 and 15 nm. The shell thickness of the adsorbed Ag@TiO2 particles was estimated to be 1.5‐2.0 nm. The effect of the Ag core on the bandgap of TiO2 and photoinduced charge separation of Ag@TiO2 nanoparticle films was studied by UV‐Vis reflectance spectroscopy using the Kubelka‐Munk formalism. Films of Ag@TiO2 core‐shell nanoparticles revealed a substantially reduced bandgap of 2.75 eV (corresponding to 450 nm), and an electron charge transfer to the Ag core occurring upon UV irradiation on nonconductive surfaces. These features make Ag@TiO2 particulate films a promising candidate for photocatalytic surfaces under sunlight irradiation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiscale Molecular Modeling and Experimental Validation of Polyaniline‐CNTs Composite Coatings for Corrosion Protecting
Authors: Ioniţǎ M. , Brânzoi I. V. , Pilan L.
Published: May 2010

Today's demand for materials with specific properties is rapidly overtaking available technology, especially in the understanding of why many materials have the properties they do. The morphology of polymer–carbon nanotubes (CNTs) material and how this influences the further features of the material is one such property. In this work, a computational method based on molecular mechanics (MM) and dynamics (MD) and dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) techniques, to design and predict specific morphologies and mechanical properties of polyaniline (PANI)‐CNTs and PANI‐poly (m‐aminobenzene sulfonic acid) (PABS) functionalized CNTs composite materials is presented. Furthermore, experiments were carried out to assess the anticorrosive features of the composite materials. Computational bulk models of PANI‐CNTs and PANI‐PABS‐CNTs were implemented with different compositions at atomistic‐ and mesoscale and composite coatings were grown in situ onto carbon steel electrodes (OL 48‐50). PANI‐PABS‐CNTs computational models and films were investigated concerning mechanical properties, materials morphology using computational tools, and experimentally, by means of scanning electron microscopy and corrosion protecting ability by potentiodynamic tests. The results clearly confirmed that the PABS‐CNTs are properly dispersed in composite coatings and have beneficial effect on mechanical integrity, and anticorrosion protecting ability is significantly higher than those characteristics for pure PANI. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of dropouts on the analysis of dose‐finding studies with recurrent event data
Authors: Akacha Mouna , Benda Norbert
Published: May 2010

This work is motivated by dose‐finding studies, where the number of events per subject within a specified study period form the primary outcome. The aim of the considered studies is to identify the target dose for which the new drug can be shown to be as effective as a competitor medication. Given a pain‐related outcome, we expect a considerable number of patients to drop out before the end of the study period. The impact of missingness on the analysis and models for the missingness process must be carefully considered.

The recurrent events are modeled as over‐dispersed Poisson process data, with dose as the regressor. Additional covariates may be included. Constant and time‐varying rate functions are examined. Based on these models, the impact of missingness on the precision of the target dose estimation is evaluated. Diverse models for the missingness process are considered, including dependence on covariates and number of events. The performances of five different analysis methods are assessed via simulations: a complete case analysis; two analyses using different single imputation techniques; a direct‐likelihood analysis and an analysis using pattern‐mixture models.

The target dose estimation is robust if the same missingness process holds for the target dose group and the active control group. Furthermore, we demonstrate that this robustness is lost as soon as the missingness mechanisms for the active control and the target dose differ. Of the methods explored, the direct‐likelihood approach performs best, even when a missing not at random mechanism holds. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical characterisation by WD‐XRF and XRD of silicon carbide‐based grinding tools
Authors: Gazulla M. F. , Gómez M. P. , Orduña M. , Rodrigo M.
Published: May 2010

This paper addresses the chemical characterisation of silicon carbide‐based grinding tools. These are among the most widely used grinding tools in the ceramic sector, and instruments are required that enable the grinding tool quality to be controlled, despite the considerable complexity involved in determining grinding tool chemical composition. They contain components of quite different nature, ranging from the silicon carbide abrasive to the resin binder. To develop the analysis method, grinding tools containing silicon carbide with different grain sizes were selected from different tile polishing stages. To develop the grinding tool characterisation method, the different measurement process steps were studied, from sample preparation, in which different milling methods (each appropriate for the relevant type of test) were used, to the optimisation of the determination of grinding tool components by spectroscopic and elemental analyses. For each technique, different particle sizes were used according to their needs. For elemental analysis, a sample below 150 µm was used, while for the rest of the determinations a sample below 60 µm was used. After milling, the crystalline phases were characterised by X‐ray powder diffraction and quantified using the Rietvel method. The different forms of carbon (organic carbon from the resin, inorganic carbon from the carbonates and carbon from the silicon carbide) were analysed using a series of elemental analyses. The other elements (Si, Al, Fe, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Ti, Mn, P and Cl) were determined by wavelength‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry, preparing the sample in the form of pressed pellets and fused beads. The chemical characterisation method developed was validated with mixtures of reference materials, as there are no reference materials of grinding tools available. This method can be used for quality control of silicon carbide‐based grinding tools. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct chromium speciation using X‐ray spectrometry and chemometrics
Authors: de Oliveira L. , Antunes A. M. , Bueno M. I. M. S.
Published: May 2010

Chromium is a chemical element that occurs in two principal distinct forms: trivalent (Cr(III)) and hexavalent (Cr(VI)). As chromium toxicity depends on its oxidation state, the concentrations of both the species should necessarily be determined, and not only that of total chromium. Using X‐ray spectrometry allied to chemometrics, this work presents a new method for chromium speciation, with no prior separation and/or preconcentration of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) species. Spectra of several solutions containing different concentrations of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) were obtained. The data were treated through principal component analysis and partial least squares regression. The results obtained show that direct speciation using a conventional X‐ray spectrometer is possible, with calculated limits of detection and quantification for Cr(III) and Cr(VI) being lower than 17 and 50 µg g−1, respectively. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An alternate and reversible method for flight restraint of cranes
Authors: Zhang Sen Lin , Yang Shu Hui , Li Bing , Xu Yan Chun , Ma Jian Hua , Xu Jian Feng , Zhang Xian Guang
Published: May 2010

Flight restraint is important for zoos, safaris, and breeding centers for large birds. Currently used techniques for flight restraint include both surgical and non‐surgical approaches. Surgical approaches usually cause permanent change to or removal of tendon, patagial membrane, or wing bones, and can cause pain and inflammation. Non‐surgical approaches such as clipping or trimming feathers often alter the bird's appearance, and can damage growing blood feathers in fledglings or cause joint stiffness. We observed microstructure of primary feathers of the red‐crowned crane (Grus japonensis) and found that the width of barbs is a determinative factor influencing vane stiffness and geometric parameters. We hypothesized that partial longitudinal excision of barbs on the ventral surface of the primary feathers would reduce the stiffness of the vane and render the feathers unable to support the crane's body weight during flight. Furthermore, we hypothesized that this modification of barbs would also change the aerodynamic performance of feathers such that they could not generate sufficient lift and thrust during flapping to enable the bird to fly. We tested this hypothesis on a red‐crowned crane that had normal flight capability by excising the ventral margin of barbs on all 10 primaries on the left wing. The bird was unable to take off until the modified feathers were replaced by new ones. Removal of barbs proved to be a simple, non‐invasive, low‐cost and reversible method for flight restraint. It is potentially applicable to other large birds with similar structural characteristics of primary feathers. Zoo Biol 30:342–348, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Les deux christianismes de Locke et de Toland
Authors: Brykman Geneviève
Published: May 2010

La proximité chronologique et conceptuelle de Reasonableness of Christianity (1695) avec le Christianity not Mysterious (1696) de Toland eut tôt fait d’être, pour Locke, tout à fait compromettante: Toland semblait s’appuyer sur la théorie de la connaissance de l’Essai sur l’entendement humain, pour produire son interprétation incendiaire des Écritures. Faire de Locke un précurseur de Toland serait pourtant une abusive simplification. En s’appuyant sur le livre IV de l’Essai, Reasonableness of Christianity, le Discourse on Miracles et sur A Paraphrase and Notes on St Paul’s Epistles, pour Locke et, pour Toland, sur Christianity not Mysterious, les letters to Serena (1704), et le Nazarenus (1718), on peut montrer qu’il existe une véritable discontinuité entre deux représentations divergentes du christianisme.
Philosophie de la nature et communauté chez Shaftesbury et Toland
Authors: Brugère Fabienne
Published: May 2010

La publication par John Toland de l’Enquête sur la vertu ou le mérite de Shaftesbury semble indiquer une complicité, voire même une convergence de doctrine entre les deux penseurs. Or, cette convergence apparente masque la spécificité de chacun concernant surtout les concepts de nature et de communauté. Plus précisément, l’orientation de la nature par rapport à la communauté humaine ne se fait pas pour les mêmes raisons. Alors que Shaftesbury inclut nature et communauté dans une même perspective pour aboutir à l’analyse du lien social, Toland forge un projet de connaissance théorique de la nature qui l’affranchit de la définition essentiellement pratique de toute communauté humaine en général.
La raison polémique chez John Toland
Authors: Malherbe Michel
Published: May 2010

L'idée d’une raison polémique est-elle viable? On la met ici à l’épreuve en tentant de définir le style philosophique de John Toland, style qui est à la fois un mode de pensée et un mode d’écriture. On étudie ses conditions et ses formes. Il apparaît chez John Toland que cette raison polémique, qui prend en charge le combat contre l’intolérance et reste constamment attentive à la communication entre les esprits, ressortit plus à un genre de prédication qu’au raisonnement, et que ses fins sont principalement pratiques.
The Political Economy of Emergency and Essential Surgery in Global Health
Authors: Hedges Jeremy P. , Mock Charles N. , Cherian Meena N.
Published: May 2010

Emergency and essential surgery (EES) remains a low priority on global health agendas even though a growing body of evidence demonstrates that EES is a cost‐effective public health intervention and that it holds the potential to prevent a sizable number of deaths and disabilities. The inferior status of EES should be considered, in part, a political problem and subject to political analysis. This type of political economy examination has been used for other important global health issues but has not been applied to EES. By addressing political concerns and prospects, EES can be better positioned on international agendas, thus improving surgical care delivered to the poor.
Inborn errors of metabolism in Latin America: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Giugliani Roberto
Published: May 2010

Latin America includes more than 40 countries and possessions, and its population of 570 million has an important representation of the three main human races. The area is experiencing an economic improvement, progressively bringing the inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) to a higher level among health priorities. Challenges to the progress of the IEM field include the huge disparities, the high prevalence of malnutrition and infections, the co‐existence of very different models of public health services, the unstable socio‐economic and political conditions, and the difficulties in integrating the countries. However, a rapidly changing social and economic environment is presenting many opportunities to the IEM field, like the improvements in infrastructure, the concentration of the population in urban areas, the continuous growth of neonatal screening, the use of filter paper samples, the availability of internet communication, and the interest in IEM by the new population medical genetics discipline. Analyzing this picture, several proposals are presented, such as the development of activities of provision of health services, education and research as an integrated package, the increase in training of human resources, the expansion of access to diagnostic tests, and the use the neonatal screening framework to expand the provision of services. In a continent with few IEM centers, there is a major need for such groups to work in collaboration, complementing each other's capabilities, providing training of human resources, and developing joint projects. The integration of these groups into a large transnational network of reference centers would be a major task for the coming years.
Biobanken
Authors: Krawczak M. , Semler S.C. , Kiehntopf M.
Published: May 2010

Biobanken sind eine unverzichtbare Komponente der biomedizinischen Forschung. Durch ihre zeitlich und inhaltlich wenig begrenzte Nutzung stellen Biobanken jedoch alle Beteiligten vor besondere rechtliche, ethische und organisatorische Herausforderungen. Die Telematikplattform für Medizinische Forschungsnetze (TMF) hat sich daher in mehreren Projekten mit den Problemen des Aufbaus und Betriebs von Biobanken auseinandergesetzt und hierzu generische Lösungsvorschläge erarbeitet. Nach einem exemplarischen Überblick über derzeit im In- und Ausland aktive Biobanken stellen wir die wesentlichen Inhalte der Arbeiten der TMF zum Thema vor. Daneben werden zwei Maßnahmen erläutert, die das „Biobanking“ in Deutschland und in Europa künftig effizienter und transparenter gestalten sollen: die „Biobanking and Biomolecular Resources Research Infrastructure“ (BBMRI) der Europäischen Kommission und das derzeit im Aufbau befindliche, vom BMBF geförderte Biobankenregister der TMF.
Intra- and interobserver reliability analysis of digital radiographic measurements for pediatric orthopedic parameters using a novel PACS integrated computer software program
Authors: Segev Eitan , Hemo Yoram , Wientroub Shlomo , Ovadia Dror , Fishkin Michael , Steinberg David M. , Hayek Shlomo
Published: May 2010

Background

The between-observer reliability of repeated anatomic assessments in pediatric orthopedics relies on the precise definition of bony landmarks for measuring angles, indexes, and lengths of joints, limbs, and spine. We have analyzed intra- and interobserver reliability with a new digital measurement system (TraumaCad Wizard™).

Methods

Five pediatric orthopedic surgeons measured 50 digital radiographs on three separate days using the TraumaCad system. There were 10 anterior–posterior (AP) pelvic views from developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) patients, 10 AP pelvic views from cerebral palsy (CP) patients, 10 AP standing view of the lower limb radiographs from leg length discrepancy (LLD) patients, and 10 AP and 10 lateral spine X-rays from scoliosis patients. All standing view of the lower limb radiographs were calibrated by the software to allow for accurate length measurements, using as reference a 1-inch metal ball placed at the level of the bone. Each observer performed 540 measurements (totaling 2,700). We estimated intra- and interobserver standard deviations for measurements in all categories by specialists and nonspecialists. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) summarized the overall accuracy and precision of the measurement process relative to subject variation. We examined whether the relative accuracy of a measurement is adversely affected by the number of bony landmarks required for making the measurement.

Results

The overall ICC was >0.74 for 13 out of 18 measurements. Accuracy of the acetabular index for DDH was greater than for CP and relatively low for the center–edge angle in CP. Accuracy for bone length was better than for joint angulations in LLD and for the Cobb angle in AP views compared to lateral views for scoliosis. There were no clinically important biases, and most of the differences between specialists and nonspecialists were nonsignificant. The correlation between the results according to the number of bony landmarks that needed to be identified was also nonsignificant.

Conclusions

Digital measurements with the TraumaCad system are reliable in terms of intra- and interobserver variability, making it a useful method for the analysis of pathology on radiographs in pediatric orthopedics.
Challenge and promise: the role of miRNA for pathogenesis and progression of malignant melanoma
Authors: Essa Salma , Denzer N. , Mahlknecht U. , Klein R. , Collnot E. M. , Reichrath J.
Published: May 2010

microRNAs are endogenous noncoding RNAs that are implicated in gene regulation. More recently, miRNAs have been shown to play a pivotal role in multiple cellular processes that interfere with tumorigenesis. Here we summarize the essential role of microRNAs for human cancer with special focus on malignant melanoma and the promising perspectives for cancer therapies.
Higher derivatives estimate for the 3D Navier–Stokes equation
Authors: Vasseur Alexis
Published: May 2010

In this article, a nonlinear family of spaces, based on the energy dissipation, is introduced. This family bridges an energy space (containing weak solutions to Navier–Stokes equation) to a critical space (invariant through the canonical scaling of the Navier–Stokes equation). This family is used to get uniform estimates on higher derivatives to solutions to the 3D Navier–Stokes equations. Those estimates are uniform, up to the possible blowing-up time. The proof uses blow-up techniques. Estimates can be obtained by this means thanks to the galilean invariance of the transport part of the equation.
The informatics core of the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Authors: Toga Arthur W. , Crawford Karen L. ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: May 2010

The Alzheimer's Diseases Neuroimaging Initiative project has brought together geographically distributed investigators, each collecting data on the progression of Alzheimer's disease. The quantity and diversity of the imaging, clinical, cognitive, biochemical, and genetic data acquired and generated throughout the study necessitated sophisticated informatics systems to organize, manage, and disseminate data and results. We describe, here, a successful and comprehensive system that provides powerful mechanisms for processing, integrating, and disseminating these data not only to support the research needs of the investigators who make up the Alzheimer's Diseases Neuroimaging Initiative cores, but also to provide widespread data access to the greater scientific community for the study of Alzheimer's Disease.