bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Skeletal analysis of the Fgfr3P244R mouse, a genetic model for the Muenke craniosynostosis syndrome
Authors: Twigg Stephen R. F. , Healy Chris , Babbs Christian , Sharpe Jacqueline A. , Wood William G. , Sharpe Paul T. , Morriss‐Kay Gillian M. , Wilkie Andrew O. M.
Published: December 2008

Muenke syndrome, defined by heterozygosity for a Pro250Arg substitution in fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3), is the most common genetic cause of craniosynostosis in humans. We have used gene targeting to introduce the Muenke syndrome mutation (equivalent to P244R) into the murine Fgfr3 gene. A rounded skull and shortened snout (often skewed) with dental malocclusion was observed in a minority of heterozygotes and many homozygotes. Development of this incompletely penetrant skull phenotype was dependent on genetic background and sex, with males more often affected. However, these cranial abnormalities were rarely attributable to craniosynostosis, which was only present in 2/364 mutants; more commonly, we found fusion of the premaxillary and/or zygomatic sutures. We also found decreased cortical thickness and bone mineral densities in long bones. We conclude that although both cranial and long bone development is variably affected by the murine Fgfr3P244R mutation, coronal craniosynostosis is not reliably reproduced. Developmental Dynamics 238:331–342, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modeling of oxy‐combustion flue gas desulfurization by seawater absorption
Authors: Pipitone Gabriele , Bolland Olav
Published: December 2008

Combustion of sulfur and sulfur compounds present in fuels such as coal or natural gas (NG) results in the formation of SO2. The main objective of this study was to find a suitable flue gas desulfurization process for two oxy‐combustion power plants fired with either NG (467 MW) or pulverized fuel (PF) (596 MW) with emitted flue gas containing 163 and 896 ppm of SO2, respectively. Flue gas after further treatment can be compressed, liquefied, and employed for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) or stored in an aquifer.

Seawater flue gas desulfurization (SFGD) has been adopted as the removal process in this study, and the emissions levels, energy requirement, and seawater usage were calculated and reported. SO2 concentration target in the desulfurized flue gas, containing mainly CO2, has been set to 30 ppm. Gas is compressed up to 20 atm prior to desulfurization; the result was a significant reduction in the size of the desulfurization plant.

Simulations for the NG‐fired flue gas suggest that the desulfurization process requires 0.6 kg of seawater and 257 kJ per kg of compressed and desulfurized CO2.

Simulations for the PF‐fired flue gas suggest that the desulfurization process requires 13.2 kg of seawater and 318 kJ per kg of compressed and desulfurized CO2.

Power plant output after compression to 20 atm and desulfurization is 453.8 MW (2.8% reduction in plant power output) for the NG‐fired case and 553.8 MW (7.1% reduction) for the PF‐fired case.

Lime addition effect on the reduction of the total amount of seawater utilized for SO2 removal has been investigated for the latter case. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2009
Novel way of transformation of tannery waste to environmentally friendly formaldehyde scavenger
Authors: Xuechuan Wang , Longfang Ren , Taotao Qiang
Published: December 2008

Collagen is a typical amphiphilic natural macromolecule with amino‐ and carboxylic‐end groups and many acidic or alkaline branches. The hydrolysis of collagen will release many hydrophilic functional groups including carboxyl, hydroxyl, amino, etc. These functional groups, especially amino group, can react with formaldehyde so that collagen‐derived polypeptide can be used as natural formaldehyde scavenger. In this study, the collagen‐derived polypeptide was extracted from organic phosphonium‐tanned leather shavings by using magnesium oxide and alkaline protease with extraction rate as high as 90.4%. To increase the functional groups that reacted with formaldehyde, the extracted collagen‐derived polypeptide was modified by diethylene triamine; characterization by FTIR, GPC, and 1H NMR suggested that the content of amino group increased. Moreover, the amount of formaldehyde removed by the modified collagen‐derived polypeptide, i.e., the aminated collagen‐derived polypeptide, was significantly increased to 94.7% comparing with that by using collagen‐derived polypeptide with the dosage of 70 mL/m3, respectively. Therefore, modifying the hydrolysate obtained from the leather shavings and using as the formaldehyde scavenger has a good potential in achieving the benign treatment and reuse of the solid leather wastes. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2009
Working‐memory fMRI reveals cingulate hyperactivation in euthymic major depression
Authors: Schöning Sonja , Zwitserlood Pienie , Engelien Almut , Behnken Andreas , Kugel Harald , Schiffbauer Hagen , Lipina Katharina , Pachur Christine , Kersting Anette , Dannlowski Udo , Baune Bernhard T. , Zwanzger Peter , Reker Thomas , Heindel Walter , Arolt Volker , Konrad Carsten
Published: December 2008

While cognitive impairments are well documented for the acute episode of major depressive disorder (MDD), less is known about cognitive functioning in the euthymic state. For working memory, dysfunctional activation of lateral prefrontal and cingulate cortex has been reported in the acute episode. This study investigates working‐memory function and its neurobiological correlate in euthymic MDD patients, particularly whether dysfunctional activation persists when depressive symptoms improve. We investigated 56 subjects with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) at 3 Tesla. To challenge working‐memory function, a classical verbal n‐back task (0‐, 1‐, and 2‐back) was used in 28 well‐characterized, euthymic, unipolar MDD patients and 28 healthy control subjects matched according to age, sex, and educational level. Data were analyzed using SPM5. In the absence of significant behavioral differences, we observed comparable overall patterns of brain activation in both groups. As expected, both groups showed stronger activation of the typical working‐memory network with increasing memory load. However, significant hyperactivation of the cingulate cortex was observed in euthymic patients, while lateral prefrontal activation was comparable between patients and controls. Working‐memory challenge in the euthymic state of MDD revealed a dissociation of lateral prefrontal and cingulate brain function. Cingulate function, which is important for both emotional and cognitive processing and their integration, is still abnormal when mood is restored. This could reflect a different speed of normalization in prefrontal and limbic cortices, persistent systematic changes in neuronal networks after an episode of MDD, or a compensatory mechanism to maintain working‐memory performance. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Post‐treatment CIN: Randomised clinical trial using hrHPV testing for prediction of residual/recurrent disease
Authors: Bais Aagje G. , Eijkemans Marinus J.C. , Rebolj Mateja , Snijders Peter J.F. , Verheijen René H.M. , van Ballegooijen Marjolein , Meijer Chris J.L.M. , Helmerhorst Theo J.M.
Published: December 2008

We investigated in a randomised clinical trial whether addition of hrHPV testing (high‐risk human papillomavirus) to cytological follow‐up after treatment for high‐grade CIN (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2/3) can lead to a better selection of women at risk for residual/recurrent CIN. We included 210 women with high‐grade CIN undergoing treatment in outpatient clinics in The Netherlands. Follow‐up was based on cytology alone and cytology combined with hrHPV detection. Our primary outcome measurement was improving specificity for residual/recurrent CIN after treatment. Secondary, we compared health‐care costs and impact of individual hrHPV type on the risk of residual/recurrent CIN. Follow‐up by abnormal cytology alone (6, 12 and 24 months after treatment according to the Dutch protocol) showed a lower specificity for detection of residual/recurrent CIN than follow‐up by abnormal cytology and presence of hrHPV (80 vs. 91%, relative risk 0.87 (95% CI 0.77–0.99)). Both methods showed no significant difference in sensitivity ((86 vs. 100%) RR 0.86 (95% CI 0.63–1.16)). Comparing different post hoc modifications in the strategy of combined testing showed similar test characteristics when low‐risk women (normal cytology and hrHPV negative at 6 months) omitted the 12 months visit (specificity 91%, p = 1.00 z = 0.00). Prediction of residual/recurrent CIN by typing of hrHPV could not be confirmed. Total health‐care costs using cytology and hrHPV testing during follow‐up decreased when low‐risk women omit the 12 months visit. Follow‐up after treatment for high‐grade CIN can be improved by combining cytology with hrHPV testing. We advise combined cytology and hrHPV testing at 6, 12 and 24 months after treatment. Low‐risk women may omit the 12 months visit, resulting in cost reduction. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ΔNp73α inhibits PTEN expression in thyroid cancer cells
Authors: Vella Veronica , Puppin Cinzia , Damante Giuseppe , Vigneri Riccardo , Sanfilippo Mariangela , Vigneri Paolo , Tell Gianluca , Frasca Francesco
Published: December 2008

ΔNp73 is a N‐terminally truncated p53 family member with a dominant negative function, which is upregulated in cancer. PTEN is a lipid phosphatase, which is involved in the attenuation of tyrosine kinase signaling. PTEN expression is increased by p53, and its function is blunted in several malignancies. Because in most of the thyroid carcinomas, ΔNp73α is upregulated, whereas PTEN expression down regulated, we investigated whether ΔNp73α may influence PTEN expression in this cell model. We found that ΔNp73α overexpression in thyroid cancer cells reduces PTEN expression, whereas ΔNp73α down‐regulation by siRNA increases PTEN expression. Real‐time PCR indicated that overexpression of ΔNp73α is able to reduce PTEN mRNA levels. Moreover, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and luciferase assays indicated that ΔNp73α binds to −1031‐779 region of the PTEN promoter, which is a different site than that for p53, thereby inhibiting promoter activity. Interestingly, also the transcriptionally active p73 isoforms (TAp73α and TAp73β) bound to this DNA sequence and, at variance with ΔNp73α, stimulated PTEN promoter activity to an extent similar to that of p53. In accordance with its effect on PTEN protein levels, ΔNp73α increased phospho‐Akt protein content and, as a consequence, Mdm2‐mediated p53 degradation. This effect of ΔNp73α resulted in increased thyroid cancer cell proliferation and reduced apoptosis and was reverted by the PI3‐kinase inhibitor LY294002, indicating the role of Akt pathway in this effect. Taken together, these results indicate a novel p73 regulated mechanism for PTEN expression in thyroid cancer cells, and that, also through this mechanism, ΔNp73α exerts its protumorigenic effect. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Acute effects of exposure to vapours of standard and dearomatized white spirits in humans. 2. Irritation and inflammation
Authors: Ernstgård Lena , Iregren Anders , Juran Stephanie , Sjögren Bengt , van Thriel Christoph , Johanson Gunnar
Published: December 2008

Low aromatic and dearomatized white spirits (deWS) are often considered less hazardous to health than ‘standard’ or aromatic white sprit (stdWS, 15–20% aromatics). However, data on health effects of deWS in humans are sparse and controlled exposure studies are lacking. The aim of this study was to compare deWS and stdWS with respect to irritation and inflammation. Six female and six male healthy volunteers were exposed on five occasions in balanced order to 100 or 300 mg m−3 deWS (0.002% aromatics) or stdWS (19% aromatics), or to clean air, for 4 h at rest. Discomfort in the eyes, nose and throat and breathing difficulty were assessed by ratings on visual analogue scales. The only significant increases in ratings (compared to clean air) were seen for eye irritation at the high stdWS exposure and for solvent smell at all but the low deWS exposure. Excluding smell, all average ratings were at the lower end of the 0–100 mm scale, and did not exceed the verbal expression ‘somewhat’. Ratings during stdWS exposure tended to be higher than during deWS exposure. No exposure‐related effects on pulmonary function, nasal swelling, nasal airway resistance, breathing frequency, blinking frequency, plasma inflammatory markers (C‐reactive protein, interleukin‐6) or biochemical variables (sodium, potassium, amylase, creatine kinase, urate) were seen. In conclusion, stdWS appears to be slightly more irritating than deWS. This could, however, not be confirmed by objective measurements. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of UV‐C radiation on quality of minimally processed spinach leaves
Authors: Artés‐Hernández Francisco , Escalona Víctor Hugo , Robles Pedro Antonio , Martínez‐Hernández Ginés Benito , Artés Francisco
Published: December 2008

BACKGROUND: The fresh‐cut vegetable industry commonly uses sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) for disinfection. However, certain problems with NaOCl usage have led to the investigation of alternative sanitisation treatments. In this respect, UV‐C radiation could be of interest.

RESULTS: The effect of four pre‐packaging UV‐C radiation doses (0, 4.54, 7.94 and 11.35 kJ m−2) and two storage temperatures (5 and 8 °C) on the quality of minimally processed spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) leaves was studied over a period of 13 days. UV‐C radiation decreased mesophilic and psychrophilic counts just after its application compared with conventional sanitisation washing (150 mg L−1 NaOCl). However, UV‐C had no residual effect on microbial growth from 6 to 13 days at 5 and 8 °C. During shelf‐life a slight loss of lightness was found, probably related to superficial tissue damage induced particularly in higher‐UV‐C treated leaves. Total antioxidant activity and polyphenol content decreased gradually throughout storage, being more evident in higher‐UV‐C treated leaves stored at 8 °C. The general trend was to maintain the initial chlorophyll content during shelf‐life.

CONCLUSION: Low to moderate UV‐C radiation can be an effective alternative to chlorine for sanitising minimally processed spinach leaves and preserving their quality. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Reverse sensory geste in cervical dystonia
Authors: Asmus Friedrich , von Coelln Rainer , Boertlein Axel , Gasser Thomas , Mueller Joerg
Published: December 2008

Sensory gestes (SG) are a pathognomonic sign of dystonia, which can be detected in up to two thirds of patients with cervical dystonia (CD). They reduce dystonia severity markedly but transiently. We report a patient whose CD substantially worsened with sensory input to the back of the head and neck in different body postures, a phenomomen recently termed “reverse” sensory geste (rSG) in craniocervical dystonia. In a cohort of CD outpatients, screening for “reverse” effects of SG on dystonia yielded a prevalence of 12.8% (n = 6/47). The most frequent rSG pattern was increased dystonic activity in a supine, resting position while trying to fall asleep. The response to rSG persisted throughout the course of the disease arguing for an impairment of central integration of neck proprioception. Assessment of rSG should be included in the routine examination of CD patients, since BTX treatment may have to beadjusted accordingly to be efficacious. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Complete assignment of 1H and 13C NMR spectra of α‐phenylsulfinyl‐N‐methoxy‐ N‐methylpropionamide and some p‐substituted derivatives
Authors: Domingues Nelson L. C. , Olivato Paulo R. , Reis Adriana K. C. A. , Mondino Mirta G. , Lima Filipe S. , Rittner Roberto
Published: December 2008

The complete assignment of the 1H and 13C NMR spectra of the diastereomeric pairs of some α‐arylsulfinyl‐substituted N‐methoxy‐N‐methylpropionamides with the substituents methoxy, methyl, chloro, nitro is reported. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of critical illness on axonal loss in Guillain–Barré syndrome
Authors: Ho Doreen , Thakur Kiran , Gorson Kenneth C. , Ropper Allan H.
Published: December 2008

In this study we sought to determine whether axonal damage in severe Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) was secondary to critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP) in the intensive care unit (ICU) by reviewing comorbidities in patients who had initial and follow‐up electromyographic (EMG) studies. Patients were classified as demyelinating (EMG‐D) or axonal (EMG‐A) according to findings on the second EMG. A critical illness (CI) score, derived from components of the APACHE II score, assessed the severity of critical illness in the ICU. Forty‐one patients were admitted to the ICU and had a follow‐up EMG. Of these, 28 (68%) developed an EMG‐A pattern. There was no difference in the timing of the second EMG (mean, 23 days) between the two groups. The mean CI score (10.7 for EMG‐A vs. 9.2 for EMG‐D, P = 0.47) and frequency of sepsis (89% vs. 77%, P = 0.36) were similar between the groups. Mean strength (0–100, Medical Research Council scale) and Hughes disability scores for the EMG‐A group were significantly worse at admission, nadir, and discharge. EMG‐A patients had significantly more days on the ventilator (25 vs. 11), in the ICU (26 vs. 15), and in the hospital (29 vs. 18). Sixty‐eight percent of patients with GBS in the ICU developed axon loss, but this was not related to the usual precipitants of CIP. Muscle Nerve 39: 10–15, 2009
Evaluation of distal symmetric polyneuropathy: The role of laboratory and genetic testing (an evidence‐based review)
Authors: England J.D. , Gronseth G.S. , Franklin G. , Carter G.T. , Kinsella L.J. , Cohen J.A. , Asbury A.K. , Szigeti K. , Lupski J.R. , Latov N. , Lewis R.A. , Low P.A. , Fisher M.A. , Herrmann D. , Howard J.F. , Lauria G. , Miller R.G. , Polydefkis M. , Sumner A.J. ,   American Academy of Neurology,   American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine,   American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Published: December 2008

Distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSP) is the most common variety of neuropathy. Since the evaluation of this disorder is not standardized, the available literature was reviewed to provide evidence‐based guidelines regarding the role of laboratory and genetic tests for the assessment of DSP. A literature review using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Citation Index, and Current Contents was performed to identify the best evidence regarding the evaluation of polyneuropathy published between 1980 and March 2007. Articles were classified according to a four‐tiered level of evidence scheme and recommendations were based on the level of evidence. (1) Screening laboratory tests may be considered for all patients with polyneuropathy (Level C). Those tests that provide the highest yield of abnormality are blood glucose, serum B12 with metabolites (methylmalonic acid with or without homocysteine), and serum protein immunofixation electrophoresis (Level C). If there is no definite evidence of diabetes mellitus by routine testing of blood glucose, testing for impaired glucose tolerance may be considered in distal symmetric sensory polyneuropathy (Level C). (2) Genetic testing is established as useful for the accurate diagnosis and classification of hereditary neuropathies (Level A). Genetic testing may be considered in patients with cryptogenic polyneuropathy who exhibit a hereditary neuropathy phenotype (Level C). Initial genetic testing should be guided by the clinical phenotype, inheritance pattern, and electrodiagnostic (EDX) features and should focus on the most common abnormalities, which are CMT1A duplication/HNPP deletion, Cx32 (GJB1), and MFN2 mutation screening. There is insufficient evidence to determine the usefulness of routine genetic testing in patients with cryptogenic polyneuropathy who do not exhibit a hereditary neuropathy phenotype (Level U). Muscle Nerve 39: 116–125, 2009
Breast cancer screening in women at high risk using MRI
Authors: Leach Martin O.
Published: December 2008

A series of prospective comparative studies have demonstrated that MRI has approximately twice the sensitivity of X‐ray mammography for screening women at high familial risk of breast cancer. In these studies, lesions have often been detected at an early stage, with disease being small and predominantly node negative. The diagnostic features in relation to risk and the biological behaviour of disease with risk category and age are being evaluated. The results of these studies have resulted in revised recommendations for screening for women at high risk of breast cancer. In this article, the results of the UK Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Breast Cancer Screening (MARIBS) study of MRI screening are described, and compared with results from other studies. Risk factors identifying women who would benefit from MRI screening are discussed, MRI measurement methods are described, and the results of studies evaluating MRI and mammographic lesions in different risk groups are reviewed. Recommendations for screening women at high risk of breast cancer published by the American Cancer Society and from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in the UK are summarised. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stretching a plane surface in a viscoelastic fluid with prescribed skin friction
Authors: Sajid M. , Hayat T. , Pop I.
Published: December 2008

A model of forced convection flow due to stretching surface is derived to represent the physical system with prescribed skin friction. To achieve the similar solutions, the partial differential equations are reduced into ordinary differential equations. The analytic solutions of the resulting problems have been obtained by a homotopy analysis method. The convergence of the developed series solution is seen. Finally, the results of velocity, temperature, the stretching velocity, and Nusselt number are analyzed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2009
Association behavior and properties of copolymers of perfluorooctyl ethyl methacrylate and eicosanyl methacrylate
Authors: Valtola Lauri , Hietala Sami , Tenhu Heikki , Denifl Peter , Wilen Carl‐Eric
Published: December 2008

Random and block copolymers of perfluorooctyl ethyl methacrylate (FMA) and eicosanyl methacrylate (EIMA) were synthesized. Organo‐soluble polymers with varying amounts of the fluorinated comonomer were obtained with conventional radical polymerization or with atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Both random and block copolymers exhibit high surface activity in toluene and have critical micelle concentrations (CMC) 0.5 wt%. Random copolymers with FMA content above 30 wt% form aggregates in the order of 10 nm in diameter in toluene above CMC, while block copolymers with similar overall constitution form aggregates of the order of 100 nm in diameter under similar conditions. The aggregates formed in block copolymer solutions were found to reorganize upon heating into smaller, spherical aggregates of 40 nm in diameter. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of non‐reactive solvent on the formation and properties of porous epoxy thermosets formed via reaction‐induced phase separation
Authors: Ai Hao , Xu Kai , Chen Wensi , Liu Huan , Chen Mingcai
Published: December 2008

BACKGROUND: A reaction‐induced process for producing controlled‐porosity epoxy thermosets with the aid of solvents is presented. The curing reactions were carried out in diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A and 4,4′‐diaminodicyclohexylmethane systems in the presence of appropriate solvents.

RESULTS: The phase separation during the polymerization with appropriate solvent was characterized using dynamic light scattering. Supercritical carbon dioxide was used to extract the solvent from the epoxy resin matrix. The morphology and the porosity within the epoxy thermosets were investigated using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy as a function of solvent content. The results showed that porous epoxy networks with average pore size ranging from 1 to 20 µm were obtained, and the size of pores could be varied by changing the solvent content. Thermal properties were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The introduction of solvent decreased the glass transition temperature and the thermal stability of the epoxy thermosets but showed no influence on the degradation of the main networks.

CONCLUSION: Porous epoxy thermosets have been successfully fabricated through a novel reaction‐induced phase separation process with the aid of appropriate solvents. They should open a wide range of opportunities for new applications. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Diols as hydrogen bond acids: 1H NMR study of the hetero‐association of pyridine with sterically hindered EDOT diols
Authors: Lomas John S. , Cordier Christine
Published: December 2008

The hetero‐association of pyridine with the cis and trans methyl‐3,4‐ethylenedioxy‐2‐[3‐(2,2,4,4‐tetramethylpentan‐ 3‐ol)]thiophenes (Me‐EDOT alcohols), 3,4‐ethylenedioxy‐2,5‐bis[3‐(2,2,4,4‐tetramethylpentan‐3‐ol)]thiophene (EDOT diol) and methyl‐3,4‐ethylenedioxy‐2,5‐bis[3‐(2,2,4,4‐tetramethylpentan‐3‐ol)]thiophene (Me‐EDOT diol) has been studied by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy in benzene at 298 K. Self‐consistent association constants for the syn (S), anti‐syn (AS) and syn‐syn (SS) rotamers are determined from the variation of the OH proton chemical shift and of the rotamer composition with the pyridine concentration. The bridge methyl group has no effect upon the association constant of a syn OH group. Association constants are the same for the syn OH groups in the AS and syn‐anti (SA) rotamers of the diols, being slightly higher than for the alcohols. In contrast, values for a single syn OH group in the SS rotamers of the diols are significantly lower. Hydrogen bond acidity A values, determined for some congested alcohols and diols by the NMR method of Abraham, confirm that the syn OH protons of SS rotamers are less acidic than the single syn OH proton of an AS or SA rotamer. A values, with the notable exceptions of those for propan‐1,3‐diol and butan‐1,4‐diol, correlate with pyridine hetero‐association constants. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kinetics and mechanism of the aminolysis of dimethyl and methyl phenyl phosphinic chlorides with anilines
Authors: Dey Nilay Kumar , Hoque Md. Ehtesham Ul , Kim Chan Kyung , Lee Bon‐Su , Lee Hai Whang
Published: December 2008

The reactions of dimethyl phosphinic chloride (1) and methyl phenyl phosphinic chloride (2) with X‐anilines have been studied kinetically in acetonitrile at 15.0 and 55.0 °C, respectively. The deuterium kinetic isotope effects (KIEs) involving deuterated aniline nucleophiles (XC6H4ND2) are also reported for the same reactions. The obtained KIEs for 1 are secondary inverse (kH/kD = 0.703–0.899 < 1), while those for 2 are primary normal (kH/kD = 1.62–2.10 > 1). A concerted mechanism involving predominantly backside nucleophilic attack is proposed for the anilinolysis of 1. A concerted mechanism involving predominantly frontside attack via a hydrogen‐bonded four‐center‐type transition state is proposed for the anilinolysis of 2. The degree of steric hindrance is the major factor that determines both the reactivity of the phosphinates and the direction of the nucleophilic attack on the phosphinates. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transition metal complexes of tetradentate and bidentate Schiff bases as catalysts for ethylene polymerization: Effect of transition metal and cocatalyst
Authors: Białek Marzena , Czaja Krystyna , Szydło Ewelina
Published: December 2008

This article compares catalytic performance of ethylene polymerization in similar polymerization conditions of transition metal complexes having two ligands [O,N] (phenoxy‐imine) and having one tetradentate ligand [O,N,N,O] (salphen or salen). It is shown that the activity of both complex types as well as the product properties depend in the same way on the type of central metal in the complex and on the cocatalyst used. Although the type of ligand has some effect on the catalyst activity, yet it does not control the properties of the obtained products. The vanadium and zirconium complexes, irrespective of the cocatalyst used, yield linear polyethylene with high molecular weight (a few hundred thousand g/mol). Similar products are formed when titanium complexes activated with MAO are employed. On the other hand, the same titanium complexes in conjunction with Et2AlCl, yield low molecular weight polyethylene (of a few thousand) and additionally a mixture of oligomers. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 565–575, 2009
Efficient packet scheduling for heterogeneous multimedia provisioning over broadband satellite networks: An adaptive multidimensional QoS‐based design
Authors: Du Hongfei , Fan Linghang , Evans Barry G.
Published: December 2008

With their inherent broadcast capabilities and reliable extensive geographical coverage, the broadband satellite networks are emerging as a promising approach for the delivery of multimedia services in 3G and beyond systems. Given the limited capacity of the satellite component, to meet the diverse quality of service (QoS) demands of multimedia applications, it is highly desired that the available resources can be adaptively utilized in an optimized way. In this paper, we draw our attention on the development and evaluation of an efficient packet scheduling scheme in a representative broadband satellite system, namely satellite digital multimedia broadcasting (SDMB), which is positioned as one of the most attractive solutions in the convergence of a closer integration with the terrestrial mobile networks for a cost‐effective delivery of point‐to‐multipoint services. By taking into account essential aspects of a successful QoS provisioning while preserving the system power/resource constraints, the proposed adaptive multidimensional QoS‐based (AMQ) packet scheduling scheme in this paper aims to effectively satisfy diverse QoS requirements and adaptively optimize the resource utilization for the satellite multimedia broadcasting. The proposed scheme is formulated via an adaptive service prioritization algorithm and an adaptive resource allocation algorithm. By taking into account essential performance criteria, the former is capable of prioritizing contending flows based on the QoS preferences and performance dynamics, while the latter allocates the resources, in an adaptive manner, according to the current QoS satisfaction degree of each session. Simulation results show that the AMQ scheme achieves significantly better performance than those of existing schemes on multiple performance metrics, e.g. delay, throughput, channel utilization and fairness. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Field enhancement in arrays of copper nanowires investigated by the finite‐difference time‐domain method
Authors: Locharoenrat Kitsakorn , Sano Haruyuki , Mizutani Goro
Published: December 2008

We have studied rotational anisotropy in the second harmonic (SH) intensity from Cu nanowires. The analysis of our experimental result by the finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) method has indicated that the SH response from Cu nanowires is enhanced by the coupling of the electric field components along the surface normal to the local plasmons and the electrostatic lightning‐rod effect. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Emerging female entrepreneurship in Japan: A case study of Digimom workers
Authors: Futagami Shiho , Helms Marilyn M.
Published: December 2008

An economic solution for reversing Japan's financial challenges is entrepreneurship. New ventures are emerging outside the traditional Japanese management systems of lifetime employment, seniority systems, enterprise unions, and the Japanese business culture, which stresses a group‐oriented, riskaverse orientation. Governmental changes are slowly improving the climate for entrepreneurship. Using a case‐study approach, this article follows the development and strategic challenges facing the company Digimom (or “Digital Mom”) Workers, and profiles the historic and cultural challenges facing a female entrepreneur in Japan. Financial reports as well as a profile of the competitive environment are included. Implications and lessons learned follow the case analysis. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Learning from toys: Reflections on the 2007 recall crisis
Authors: Teagarden Mary B. , Hinrichs Merle A.
Published: December 2008

The year 2007 will be remembered as the year the toy industry was shaken by a seemingly endless stream of recalls. The scope of this recent wave of recalls associated with lead‐tainted toys coming from China has focused the attention of parents and others responsible for ers who sell these toys, companies who import these toys, and numerous government officials on the problem of toys that have been painted with lead‐tainted paint. Much of the focus of this crisis is on China and its contractors. This is counterproductive and reactive. The problem of lead‐tainted imports is not new. The fact that China is currently in the crosshairs is to a large degree a function of their growth in importance as a preferred site for outsourced manufacturing. It is a volume issue. Lead‐tainted imports have many causes, and these will be explored in this article. This article concludes with a discussion of lessons that managers can take from this crisis. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A model of face practices in Chinese business culture: Implications for western businesspersons
Authors: Cardon Peter W.
Published: December 2008

This article describes findings of in‐depth interviews about the role of face in Chinese business culture with 34 Chinese businesspersons and 8 American businesspersons who were operating in major mainland Chinese commercial centers. Informants described 229 business incidents involving the major face practices: giving face, protecting face, vying for face, and not considering face. Authentic examples of the various face practices in business situations are provided to illustrate related behaviors. A model of face practices was developed that describes dominant face practices and related strategies based on the following business relationships: horizontal insiders, vertical insiders, and outsiders. Related recommendations are provided for business practitioners and researchers. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Changes in uterine blood flow following laparoscopic myomectomy with or without uterine artery ligation on two‐ and three‐dimensional power Doppler ultrasound
Authors: Chang W.‐C. , Huang S.‐C. , Sheu B.‐C. , Shih J.‐C. , Hsu W.‐C. , Chen S. Y. , Chang D.‐Y.
Published: December 2008

Objective

To evaluate differences in uterine perfusion following laparoscopic myomectomy with or without uterine artery ligation (UAL).

Methods

From November 2005 to July 2007, we enrolled prospectively 105 women with symptomatic myomas who were scheduled to undergo laparoscopic myomectomy (57 with UAL (study group) and 48 without (control group)). Power Doppler ultrasound was used to evaluate uterine artery resistance (RI) and pulsatility (PI) indices and peak systolic velocity (PSV) and three‐dimensional (3D) power Doppler ultrasound was used to obtain vascularization (VI), flow (FI) and vascularization flow (VFI) indices of the uterine tissue, which were calculated by VOCAL (Virtual Organ Computer‐aided AnaLysis) software.

Results

Characteristics of the myomas, operative time and duration of hospital stay were comparable between the two groups, whereas the median (range) of estimated blood loss (50 (50–200) vs. 100 (50–900) mL, P = 0.001) and the frequency of excessive bleeding of > 500 mL (0% vs. 10%, P = 0.018) were significantly lower in the study group. The RI, PI and PSV were comparable between the two groups preoperatively, significantly lower in the study group 1 week after surgery (0.69 vs. 0.74, 1.31 vs. 1.76, and 34.08 vs. 47.49, respectively, P < 0.05), and comparable again 3 months later. The myometrial VI and VFI decreased after surgery and all three 3D power Doppler indices of the study group were similar to those of the control group throughout the study period.

Conclusion

Concurrent UAL during laparoscopic myom‐ ectomy reduces the intraoperative blood loss and frequency of excessive bleeding without permanently compromising uterine perfusion. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Digital imaging data on CD-R: A time trap for orthopaedic surgeons in outpatient clinics
Authors: Juenemann Stephanie , Hasler Carol , Brunner Reinald
Published: December 2008

Purpose

X-rays are presented on CD-Rs in a digital format with increasing frequency. This technique is potentially more time-consuming for the clinician compared to conventional pictures.

Methods

Ten sets of six X-rays for each case were prepared in both the conventional way and in digital format on CD-R. The order was randomised. Time in seconds was measured for six experienced orthopaedic residents to present the most recent a.p. view out of a given set. As a precondition, the computer was turned on and the same viewing software was used for all digital sets. The results were compared using a non-linked Student's t-test (significance level P = 0.05).

Results

The presentation of conventional X-rays required 21 s (±7.5 s) and of digital X-rays 90 s (±27 s), respectively ( P < 0.001).

Conclusion

In spite of ideal conditions, digital X-rays on CD-R need significantly more time in the orthopaedic clinic. In major centres, patients present with different software and software in other languages, which increase the required time even further. This latter problem will be assessed in another study. This increase of preparation time required by a highly qualified staff member has implications on the economics and logistics and has a negative impact on daily clinical practice. One of the solutions might be that the CD-Rs be given to the registration desk and the data being already prepared when the patient sees the doctor. This can also include it being implemented in the digital system used in the inpatient part of the hospital and, therefore, making any other consultations or second opinions easily accessible.
Is Immediate Pain Relief After a Spinal Injection Procedure Enhanced by Intravenous Sedation?
Authors: Dreyfuss Paul , Cohen Steven , Chen Allen Sinclair , Bohart Zach , Bogduk Nikolai
Published: December 2008

Objective

To determine the effect of intravenous sedation on postprocedural pain relief for patients undergoing a spinal injection procedure in which there is no expectation of immediate relief.

Design

A prospective audit to compare Visual Analog Scale (VAS) responses before and after interlaminar epidural corticosteroid injections without epidural anesthetic in those who did and did not receive intravenous sedation.

Setting

This audit was undertaken in 2 interventional spine practices.

Patients

A total of 102 patients were allotted to receive or not receive intravenous sedation depending on preference.

Interventions

Interlaminar epidural injections of corticosteroid without epidural anesthetic.

Main Outcome Measurements

Outcomes were measured by mean (VAS) scores after the procedure and mean VAS differences before and after the procedure.

Results

There were no significant differences between mean VAS scores or mean differences in VAS scores between those who did or did not receive intravenous sedation. A relatively high percentage of patients in both groups obtained greater than 50% immediate pain relief.

Conclusion

Intravenous mild or moderate conscious sedation did not have an effect on postprocedural VAS pain scores in those receiving a therapeutic spinal injection procedure. Immediate pain relief was most likely the result of nonspecific effects.
Receptivity mechanisms in three-dimensional boundary-layer flows
Authors: SCHRADER LARS-UVE , BRANDT LUCA , HENNINGSON DAN S.
Published: December 2008

Receptivity in three-dimensional boundary-layer flow to localized surface roughness and free-stream vorticity is studied. A boundary layer of Falkner–Skan–Cooke type with favourable pressure gradient is considered to model the flow slightly downstream of a swept-wing leading edge. In this region, stationary and travelling crossflow instability dominates over other instability types. Three scenarios are investigated: the presence of low-amplitude chordwise localized, spanwise periodic roughness elements on the plate, the impingement of a weak vortical free-stream mode on the boundary layer and the combination of both disturbance sources. Three receptivity mechanisms are identified: steady receptivity to roughness, unsteady receptivity to free-stream vorticity and unsteady receptivity to vortical modes scattered at the roughness. Both roughness and vortical modes provide efficient direct receptivity mechanisms for stationary and travelling crossflow instabilities. We find that stationary crossflow modes dominate for free-stream turbulence below a level of about 0.5%, whereas higher turbulence levels will promote the unsteady receptivity mechanism. Under the assumption of small amplitudes of the roughness and the free-stream disturbance, the unsteady receptivity process due to scattering of free-stream vorticity at the roughness has been found to give small initial disturbance amplitudes in comparison to the direct mechanism for free-stream modes. However, in many environments free-stream vorticity and roughness may excite interacting unstable stationary and travelling crossflow waves. This nonlinear process may rapidly lead to large disturbance amplitudes and promote transition to turbulence.
Interactions of surfactants with lipid membranes
Authors: Heerklotz Heiko
Published: December 2008

Surfactants are surface-active, amphiphilic compounds that are water-soluble in the micro- to millimolar range, and self-assemble to form micelles or other aggregates above a critical concentration. This definition comprises synthetic detergents as well as amphiphilic peptides and lipopeptides, bile salts and many other compounds. This paper reviews the biophysics of the interactions of surfactants with membranes of insoluble, naturally occurring lipids. It discusses structural, thermodynamic and kinetic aspects of membrane–water partitioning, changes in membrane properties induced by surfactants, membrane solubilisation to micelles and other phases formed by lipid–surfactant systems. Each section defines and derives key parameters, mentions experimental methods for their measurement and compiles and discusses published data. Additionally, a brief overview is given of surfactant-like effects in biological systems, technical applications of surfactants that involve membrane interactions, and surfactant-based protocols to study biological membranes.
In defense of intuitive mathematical theories as the basis for natural number
Authors: Barner David
Published: December 2008

Though there are holes in the theory of how children move through stages of numerical competence, the current approach offers the most promising avenue for characterizing changes in competence as children confront new mathematical concepts. Like the science of mathematics, children's discovery of number is rooted in intuitions about sets, and not purely in analytic truths.
Differences between the philosophy of mathematics and the psychology of number development
Authors: Cowan Richard
Published: December 2008

The philosophy of mathematics may not be helpful to the psychology of number development because they differ in their purposes.
A spatial perspective on numerical concepts
Authors: Fischer Martin H. , Mills Richard A.
Published: December 2008

The reliable covariation between numerosity and spatial extent is considered as a strong constraint for inferring the successor principle in numerical cognition. We suggest that children can derive a general number concept from the (experientially) infinite succession of spatial positions during object manipulation.
Making numbers out of magnitudes
Authors: Morris Bradley J. , Masnick Amy M.
Published: December 2008

We argue that number principles may be learnable instead of innate, by suggesting that children acquire probabilistically true number concepts rather than algorithms. We also suggest that non-propositional representational formats (e.g., mental models) may implicitly provide information that supports the induction of numerical principles. Given probabilistically true number concepts, the problem of the acquisition of mathematical principles is eliminated.
Don't throw the baby out with the math water: Why discounting the developmental foundations of early numeracy is premature and unnecessary
Authors: Muldoon Kevin , Lewis Charlie , Freeman Norman
Published: December 2008

We see no grounds for insisting that, because the concept natural number is abstract, its foundations must be innate. It is possible to specify domain general learning processes that feed into more abstract concepts of numerical infinity. By neglecting the messiness of children's slow acquisition of arithmetical concepts, Rips et al. present an idealized, unnecessarily insular, view of number development.
Proto-numerosities and concepts of number: Biologically plausible and culturally mediated top-down mathematical schemas
Authors: Núñez Rafael E.
Published: December 2008

Early quantitative skills cannot be directly extended to provide the richness, precision, and sophistication of the concept of natural number. These skills must interact with top-down mathematical schemas, which can be explained by bodily grounded everyday mechanisms for abstraction and imagination (e.g., conceptual metaphor, blending) that are both biologically plausible and culturally shaped (established beyond the child's mind).
SEVEN does not mean NATURAL NUMBER, and children know more than you think
Authors: Sarnecka Barbara W.
Published: December 2008

Rips et al.'s critique is misplaced when it faults the induction model for not explaining the acquisition of meta-numerical knowledge: This is something the model was never meant to explain. More importantly, the critique underestimates what children know, and what they have achieved, when they learn the cardinal meanings of the number words “one” through “nine.”
Context, categories and modality: Challenges for the Rumelhart model
Authors: Hampton James A.
Published: December 2008

Three issues are raised in this commentary. First, the mapping of semantic information into the different layers could be done in a more realistic way by using the Context layer to represent situational contexts. Second, a way to differentiate category membership information from other property information needs to be considered. Finally, the issue of modal knowledge is raised.
Structured models of semantic cognition
Authors: Kemp Charles , Tenenbaum Joshua B.
Published: December 2008

Rogers & McClelland (R&M) criticize models that rely on structured representations such as categories, taxonomic hierarchies, and schemata, but we suggest that structured models can account for many of the phenomena that they describe. Structured approaches and parallel distributed processing (PDP) approaches operate at different levels of analysis, and may ultimately be compatible, but structured models seem more likely to offer immediate insight into many of the issues that R&M discuss.
A sneaking suspicion: The semantics of emotional beliefs and delusions
Authors: MacDonald Angus W.
Published: December 2008

This commentary challenges Rogers & McClelland (R&M) to use their model to account for delusional belief formation and maintenance. The gradual development of delusions and the nature of disconnectivity in Capgras delusions are used to illustrate the role of emotional salience in delusions. It is not clear how this kind of emotional saliency can be represented within the current architecture.