bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An XML‐based process repository and process query language for integrated process management
Authors: Choi Injun , Kim Kwangmyeong , Jang Mookyung
Published: November 2007

Despite surging interests in business processes that must be managed throughout their lifecycle, there have been very few research efforts that have focused on a process repositories that support reuse of business processes and the knowledge discovery that may result from. This paper introduces an XML‐based process repository and process query language for Integrated Process Management (IPM), which has been proposed to support the management of business processes throughout their lifecycle. The paper identifies comprehensive requirements for a process repository including a new notion of process state management and proposes an architecture that satisfies these requirements. Then, it presents IPM‐PQL, an XML‐based process query language for IPM, which reflects various process search requirements. This paper also presents a prototype system to demonstrate that the architecture and query language can support effective retrieval of process‐related information to support the management of business processes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An autopoietic framework for organisational learning
Authors: Parboteeah Paul , Jackson Thomas W.
Published: November 2007

This paper aims to explore the concept of autopoiesis and use it as the framework for organisational learning.

Many models in organisational learning are tested in organisations and based on real‐life experiences, but very few of them are actually based on any theory. This research starts to readdress that balance through interpreting Kim's (1993) model of organisational learning using autopoiesis. This paper introduces autopoiesis and analyses whether people and organisations are autopoietic in nature in order to interpret Kim's model. The paper provides a scientific foundation to organisational learning, as well as tackling and explaining the complexities of autopoiesis that in turn could aid companies to better understand the composition of their organisation. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design of service systems using a knowledge‐based approach
Authors: Kaner Maya , Karni Reuven
Published: November 2007

The service industry makes up an increasingly large proportion of modern economies. Despite the importance and expansion of this sector the topic of new service development, as opposed to new product development, has been largely neglected. One of the crucial steps in new service development is the conceptualization of a service concept: a qualitative description of a future service system in terms of its objects, their attributes, and possible values for these attributes. Our knowledge framework, as described in the following paper, encompasses a five‐level taxonomy of service objects: major class, main class, minor class, attribute, and value. We further suggest several knowledge‐based processes for applying the framework to the conceptual design of a new service, drawing upon model‐based reasoning and case‐based reasoning. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel Polymers with Inherent Conductivity and Enhanced Second‐Order NLO Activity
Authors: Lanzi Massimiliano , Paganin Luisa , Cesari Gaia
Published: November 2007

A new polythiophene derivative bearing an azobenzene substituent at the end of a ethylenic side‐chain was synthesized and characterized by FT‐IR spectroscopy, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, DSC, TGA, XRD, and UV‐vis spectroscopy. Its electrical conductivity was measured and its second‐order NLO activity was by SHG. Structure‐property relations were elucidated by comparison with a similar polymer only partially substituted by the NLO‐active chromophore. The molecular design of the chromophoric system allows high and stable non‐linear coefficients d33 to be obtained, making these polymers suitable for the construction of second‐harmonic generators with improved efficiency and life‐time.

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Iridium‐Functionalized Polyfluorenes: Advantages and Limitations of the Suzuki and Yamamoto Approaches
Authors: Langecker Jens , Rehahn Matthias
Published: November 2007

Four synthetic pathways leading toward iridium‐functionalized polyfluorenes are compared: the metallopolymers have been synthesized via Suzuki and Yamamoto polycondensation reactions, and precursor routes as well as direct routes have been tested for both coupling protocols. The direct Yamamoto synthesis – using an appropriately functionalized iridium‐complex as comonomer – is shown to be the most efficient method. The three competing routes produce the desired polymers too, but the materials are either lower in molar mass or less regular in molecular constitution. Exploratory analysis of the optical properties shows that the polyfluorene moieties dominate absorption and photoluminescence behavior in dilute solution, while luminescence originates mainly from the iridium complexes when solid‐state samples are investigated.

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A Novel, Amphiphilic Ethyl Cellulose Grafting Copolymer with Poly(2‐Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate) Side Chains and Its Micellization
Authors: Kang Hongliang , Liu Wenyong , Liu Ruigang , Huang Yong
Published: November 2007

Ethyl cellulose‐graft‐poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (EC‐graft‐PHEMA) graft copolymers were synthesized by atom‐transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) in methanol. The graft copolymers were characterized by means of gel‐permeation chromatography (GPC) and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The kinetic study indicated that the polymerization was controllable. The EC‐graft‐PHEMA copolymers self‐assembled in water into spherical micelles. The morphology of the micelles was characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electric microscopy (TEM) and the formation process of the micelles was discussed.

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“Click” on Conducting Polymer Coated Electrodes: A Versatile Platform for the Modification of Electrode Surfaces
Authors: Li Yan , Zhang Weixia , Chang Jing , Chen Jinchun , Li Guangtao , Ju Yong
Published: November 2007

Two types of N‐substituted pyrroles with azide and terminal alkyne groups have been synthesized and electropolymerized. “Click” chemistry, specifically Huisgen 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition, was used as a general method for functionalization of the polypyrrole films. Several model compounds, including redox active (quinone), bioactive (cholic acid) and recognition elements (carbohydrate and thymidine) could easily be attached onto the electrode surfaces without loss of functionality or the electroactivity of the underlying conducting polymers. The results suggest that the polypyrrole films are clickable and provide a novel biocompatible and versatile platform for efficient modifications on electrode surfaces.

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Structure‐Transport Relationship of Dendritic Core‐Shell Nanocarriers for Polar Dyes
Authors: Xu Shangjie , Luo Ying , Haag Rainer
Published: November 2007

TriPEGylated functionalized dendritic poly(ethylene imines) were synthesized and their transportation properties for rose Bengal (up to 50 guests per dendrimer) were evaluated. A critical aggregation concentration was observed, demonstrating the formation of aggregates among the dendrimers. The structure‐activity relationships show that their encapsulation capacities were dependent linearly on the density of the PEG shell, either as PEG length or degree of functionality, which confirmed that the PEG chains play a predominant role in the encapsulation process. It further gives some insights that the guest molecules appeared to be predominantly located in the PEG shell rather than in the core.

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Study of the Polymerization Kinetic of Lactic Acid
Authors: Orozco Víctor H. , Vargas Andrés F. , López Betty L.
Published: November 2007

Summary: Biodegradable polymers production is growing, mainly poly (lactic) acid, due to the fact that it is environmentally friendly and might be used in different fields i.e. medicine, agriculture, textiles, etc. Hence the importance of studying the polymerization process and its kinetic parameters. The polymerization process is performed by polycondensation of lactic acid using different kinds and amounts of tin based catalysts. This process is monitored during 12 hours and samples are taking for analyses every hour. Each sample is measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) to determine its molecular weight and by Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) to study the evolution of alkyl absorption bands and the disappearing of hydroxyl ones. Modulated differential scanning calorimetric analysis (MDSC) is used to study the thermal behavior of every sample during each period, such as Tg displacement and changes in crystallization and melting. These data are used for the construction of the kinetic curve.
Characterization of HDPE /Polyamide 6/ Nanocomposites Using Scanning‐and Transmission Electron Microscopy
Authors: Erdmann Eleonora , Dias Marcos L. , Pita Victor J. R. R. , Destéfanis Hugo , Monasterio Fernanda , Acosta Delicia
Published: November 2007

Summary: Preparation and morphology of high density polyethylene (HDPE)/ polyamide 6 (PA 6)/modified clay nanocomposites were studied. The ability of PA 6 in dispersing clays was used to prepare modified delaminated clays, which were then mixed with HDPE. Mixing was performed using melt processing in a torque rheometer equipped with roller rotors. After etching the materials with boiling toluene and formic acid at room temperature, the morphology was examined by SEM analyses, showing that the PA 6 formed the continuous phase and HDPE the dispersed phase. X‐ray diffraction patterns show that the (001) peak of the clay is dramatically decreased and shifted to lower angles, indicating that intercalated/exfoliated nanocomposites are obtained. TEM analyses confirmed the typical structure of exfoliated nanocomposites. A scheme for the mechanism of exfoliation and/or intercalation of these HDPE /PA 6/ /organoclay nanocomposites is proposed.
The Use of Low Field NMR and Thermal Analysis to the Wood Polymer Composite Study
Authors: Luetkmeyer Leandro , Tavares Maria Inês Bruno , Valle Gisele C. X. , Nogueira José de Souza
Published: November 2007

Summary:The focus of this work was to characterize the molecular dynamic of High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS ‐ 5% PB), wood ‐ A (Vochysia divergens) and B (Erisma uncinatum) ‐ and their composites, using solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), by measuring the proton spin‐lattice relaxation time (T1H) using a low field NMR, and by thermal analysis as Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). DSC and TGA measurements show that both woods present the same molecular behavior. On the other hand, the spin‐lattice relaxation time observed that the water is interfering in the packing and arrangements of cellulose chains due to inter and intra hydrogen molecular interactions, promoting the T1H values changed to high values. T1H shows that the sample B presents a higher rigidity than sample A. However, HIPS presents higher T1H values comparing to wood types. Analyzing the relaxation data for the composites, the values indicate that composites present an interaction between both components.
Effect of Wood Content on The Thermal Behavior and on The Molecular Dynamics of Wood/Plastic Composites
Authors: Valle Gisele C. X. , Tavares Maria I. B. , Luetkmeyer Leandro , Stael Giovanni C.
Published: November 2007

Summary: In the last decades, the growing environmental awareness has resulted in a renewed interest in the use of natural materials for different applications. In this context, the use of wood in plastic to obtain composites has grown significantly. In the present work, heartwood and sapwood from Angelim Pedra (Hymenolobiun petraeum) were used to prepare PVC/wood composites. To study the composites with different wood types and filler contents the molecular dynamic was investigated through low field NMR by poton spin‐ lattice relaxation time measurements (T1H) and the thermal behavior was characterized by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) focusing the glass transition temperature and thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) observing the changes in the thermal stability. It was found that increasing addition of wood flour (sapwood and heartwood) caused a small but progressive improvement of the decomposition temperature of the composites, whereas the glass transition temperature remains practically unchanged. In the molecular dynamic behavior, a gradual decrease in T1H values was observed with increasing sapwood and heartwood content, indicating that the composites became less rigid. The distribution curves of the domains showed a better interaction and phase dispersion between the composite components with higher filler content.
Glass Transition Temperature and Value of the Relaxation Time at Tg in Vitreous Polymers
Authors: Saiter Jean Marc , Grenet Jean , Dargent Eric , Saiter Allisson , Delbreilh Laurent
Published: November 2007

Summary: Many works focused on glassy polymers determine values of glass transition temperature (Tg) and an overview of the literature shows that depending on the method used, values of Tg are found different for the same material. In this paper, a review of data collected on different materials are used and interpreted in term of molecular mobility characterized by relaxation time functions. By using three independent experimental procedures (dielectric, thermally depolarized current and calorimetric), we show that the value of the glass transition and the value of the relaxation time at Tg can be correctly determined. It is also shown that the assumption: τ (Tg) = 100 s is constant, is not correct. The protocol proposed also allows the determination of the value of the fragility index “m” of the glass forming liquid with a great accuracy.
Polymer‐Solvent Molecular Compounds: A Brief Presentation
Authors: Guenet J.M.
Published: November 2007

Summary: Molecular compounds formed through the co‐crystallization of polymer chains and solvent molecules are briefly presented with special emphasis on isotactic and syndiotactic polystyrenes. The temperature‐concentration phase diagrams, the molecular structure and the various morphologies of these systems are discussed.
In vitro and in vivo modulation of testosterone mediated alterations in apoptosis related proteins by [6]‐gingerol
Authors: Shukla Yogeshwer , Prasad Sahdeo , Tripathi Chitra , Singh Madhulika , George Jasmine , Kalra Neetu
Published: November 2007

Ginger (Zingiber officinale, Zingiberaceae) has been widely used as a dietary spice, and as a traditional oriental medicine. The rhizome of ginger contains pungent vanillyl ketones, including [6]‐gingerol and [6]‐paradol, and have been credited with therapeutic and preventive health benefits, including anti‐cancer activity. Prostate cancer is an attractive target for chemoprevention because of its ubiquity, treatment‐related morbidity, long latency between premalignant lesions and clinically evident cancer, and defined molecular pathogenesis. Here we are reporting the modulatory effects of [6]‐gingerol on testosterone‐induced alterations on apoptosis related proteins in both in vitro, androgen sensitive LNCaP cells and in vivo, ventral prostate of Swiss albino mice. [6]‐gingerol treatment resulted apoptosis in LNCaP cells, as indicated by depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential, increase in sub G1 cell population by flow cytometry and the appearance of DNA laddering pattern in agarose gel electrophoresis. Results of western blot analysis showed that [6]‐gingerol upregulated the testosterone depleted levels of p53 in mouse prostate and upregulated its downstream regulator Bax and further activated Caspase‐9 and Caspase‐3 in both LNCaP cells and in mouse prostate. We also found downregulation of testosterone induced antiapoptotic proteins, Bcl‐2 and Survivin expression by [6]‐gingerol in both LNCaP cells and in mouse ventral prostate. Thus, [6]‐gingerol shows its protective effects in both in vivo and in vitro prostate cancer models by modulation of proteins involved in apoptosis pathway.
Enhancing lignan biosynthesis by over‐expressing pinoresinol lariciresinol reductase in transgenic wheat
Authors: Ayella Allan K. , Trick Harold N. , Wang Weiqun
Published: November 2007

Lignans are phenylpropane dimers that are biosynthesized via the phenylpropanoid pathway, in which pinoresinol lariciresinol reductase (PLR) catalyzes the last steps of lignan production. Our previous studies demonstrated that the contents of lignans in various wheat cultivars were significantly associated with anti‐tumor activities in APCMin mice. To enhance lignan biosynthesis, this study was conducted to transform wheat cultivars (‘Bobwhite’, ‘Madison’, and ‘Fielder’, respectively) with the Forsythia intermedia PLR gene under the regulatory control of maize ubiquitin promoter. Of 24 putative transgenic wheat lines, we successfully obtained 3 transformants with the inserted ubiquitin‐PLR gene as screened by PCR. Southern blot analysis further demonstrated that different copies of the PLR gene up to 5 were carried out in their genomes. Furthermore, a real‐time PCR indicated ∼︁17% increase of PLR gene expression over the control in 2 of the 3 positive transformants at T0 generation. The levels of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside, a prominent lignan in wheat as determined by HPLC‐MS, were found to be 2.2‐times higher in one of the three positive transgenic sub‐lines at T2 than that in the wild‐type (117.9 ± 4.5 vs. 52.9 ± 19.8 μg/g, p <0.005). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that elevated lignan levels in a transgenic wheat line has been successfully achieved through genetic engineering of over‐expressed PLR gene. Although future studies are needed for a stably expression and more efficient transformants, the new wheat line with significantly higher SDG contents obtained from this study may have potential application in providing additive health benefits for cancer prevention.
Early findings of small‐animal MRI and small‐animal computed tomography correlate with histological changes in a rat model of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Lee Sheen‐Woo , Greve Joan M. , Leaffer David , Lollini Lance , Bailey Patricia , Gold Garry E. , Biswal Sandip
Published: November 2007

With the use of a commonly utilized animal model of rheumatoid arthritis, the central goal of this work was to determine how well the small‐animal imaging tools, small‐animal MRI (microMRI) and small‐animal X‐ray computed tomography (microCT), can detect very early histological changes that occur immediately after induction of the disease. Arthritis was induced in rats by injecting complete Freund's adjuvant into the tail. Right hind paws of living rats were evaluated with 4.7 T microMRI with T1‐weighted spin echo and inversion recovery sequences. Paw specimens were also evaluated with microCT and by histological examination (n = 29). MicroMR images were scored for the presence of joint effusion, soft tissue swelling, bone marrow changes, and bone erosions. MicroCT measured bone mineral density (BMD). Histology scores were obtained from representative slides from the same rats. The correlation between BMD, MRI and histology was analyzed using linear regression analysis and analysis of covariance. MRI abnormalities were detected on day 5 after induction as joint effusion and soft tissue swelling, followed by bone marrow changes on day 6 and bone erosion on day 8. BMD measured by microCT decreased, the decrease becoming significant on day 7 (P < 0.019). Soft tissue swelling, joint effusion, and bone erosion scores on microMRI correlated with histology (r2 ∼ 0.7). Bone marrow changes were seen more clearly with microMRI than by histological examination. Bone loss could be detected earlier by microCT than on histological sections. In conclusion, microMRI and microCT can be used to evaluate early disease changes within 1 week of induction in the adjuvant‐induced arthritis model, and have the ability to detect certain manifestations of disease earlier than histological analysis. The use of small‐animal imaging techniques potentially allows earlier diagnosis, improved subject stratification, earlier drug implementation, and therefore improved drug trials in animal models of rheumatoid arthritis. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Strategy for selecting representative points via tangent spheres in the probability density evolution method
Authors: Chen Jian‐Bing , Li Jie
Published: November 2007

A strategy of selecting efficient integration points via tangent spheres in the probability density evolution method (PDEM) for response analysis of non‐linear stochastic structures is studied. The PDEM is capable of capturing instantaneous probability density function of the stochastic dynamic responses. The strategy of selecting representative points is of importance to the accuracy and efficiency of the PDEM. In the present paper, the centers of equivalent non‐overlapping tangent spheres are used as the basis to construct a representative point set. An affine transformation is then conducted and a hypersphere sieving is imposed for spherically symmetric distributions. Construction procedures of centers of the tangent spheres are elaborated. The features of the point sets via tangent spheres, including the discrepancy and projection ratio, are observed and compared with some other typical point sets. The investigations show that the discrepancies of the point sets via tangent spheres are in the same order of magnitude as the point sets by the number theoretical method. In addition, it is observed that rotation transformation could greatly improve the projection ratios. Numerical examples show that the proposed method is accurate and efficient for situations involving up to four random variables. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A numerical method for solving the hyperbolic telegraph equation
Authors: Dehghan Mehdi , Shokri Ali
Published: November 2007

Recently, it is found that telegraph equation is more suitable than ordinary diffusion equation in modelling reaction diffusion for such branches of sciences. In this article, we propose a numerical scheme to solve the one‐dimensional hyperbolic telegraph equation using collocation points and approximating the solution using thin plate splines radial basis function. The scheme works in a similar fashion as finite difference methods. The results of numerical experiments are presented, and are compared with analytical solutions to confirm the good accuracy of the presented scheme. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2008
Transport‐equilibrium schemes for computing nonclassical shocks. Scalar conservation laws
Authors: Chalons Christophe
Published: November 2007

This paper presents a new numerical strategy for computing the nonclassical weak solutions of scalar conservation laws which fail to be genuinely nonlinear. We concentrate on the typical situation of concave–convex and convex–concave flux functions. In such situations the so‐called nonclassical shocks, violating the classical Oleinik entropy criterion and selected by a prescribed kinetic relation, naturally arise in the resolution of the Riemann problem. Enforcing the kinetic relation from a numerical point of view is known to be a crucial but challenging issue. By means of an algorithm made of two steps, namely an Equilibrium step and a Transport step, we show how to force the validity of the kinetic relation at the discrete level. The proposed strategy is based on the use of a numerical flux function and random numbers. We prove that the resulting scheme enjoys important consistency properties. Numerous numerical evidences illustrate the validity of our approach. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2008
Motivations and forms of corporate giving behaviour: insights from Australia
Authors: Noble Gary , Cantrell John , Kyriazis Elias , Algie Jennifer
Published: November 2007

Although corporate support for many nonprofit organisations (NPOs) represents only a relatively small component of their overall income its importance is growing. As a consequence, the need to understand corporate giving behaviour in a way that supports the development of strategically targeted and successful marketing campaigns is of growing importance to marketing managers in many NPOs around the globe.

This paper presents the findings of a study into the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of corporate giving behaviour in Australia. In the seven case studies examined, there was no strong evidence that Australian corporations give for other than strategic profit maximisation or political reasons. In contrast to the literature, altruistic and managerial utility did not emerge as strong motivational factors.

This study also found that corporations are likely to have a number of corporate giving programmes each with its own underlying motivation and strategic purpose which network together to form a hierarchy of corporate giving programmes.

The paper concludes by discussing the implications of this research for NPO managers attempting to increase their level of corporate support.

Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A case of dyschondrosteosis in an Anglo‐Saxon skeleton
Authors: Cummings C. , Rega E.
Published: November 2007

Osteological examination of a 9th–11th century skeleton from Black Gate Cemetery, Newcastle‐upon‐Tyne, reveals Madelung's deformity of both forearms and shortened stature due to reduced tibial length. These are indicative of dyschondrosteosis, a genetically transmitted mild form of mesomelia. This case adds to a small but growing presence of this condition in pre‐modern societies. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Peri mortem cranial injuries from a medieval grave in Saint Peter's Cathedral, Bologna, Italy
Authors: Facchini F. , Rastelli E. , Belcastro M. G.
Published: November 2007

In 1999, renovation work in the 16th century crypt in Saint Peter's Cathedral, Bologna (Italy), uncovered a capuchin‐type grave probably from the Early Middle Ages, containing commingled bones belonging to several individuals. A study of the osteoarchaeological material by the Laboratory of Bioarchaeology and Forensic Osteology of the University of Bologna identified two skulls of young males, both presenting signs of direct traumatic lesions produced peri mortem: one on the frontal, the other on the left parietal. The aim of the present study was to examine the lesions in relation to possible aetiological factors. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Studies on the properties of EPDM–CSE blend containing HTPB for case‐bonded solid rocket motor insulation
Authors: Sureshkumar M. S. , Bhuvaneswari C. M. , Kakade S. D. , Gupta M.
Published: November 2007

Elastomeric blends based on ethylene propylene diene (EPDM) rubber as a primary polymer have been investigated for the thermal insulation of case‐bonded solid rocket motors (SRMs) cast with composite propellant containing hydroxy terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) as a polymeric binder. EPDM rubber found as an attractive candidate for the thermal insulation of case‐bonded SRM due to the advantages such as low specific gravity, improved ageing properties, and longer shelf life. In spite of these advantages, EPDM, a non‐polar rubber, lacks sufficient bonding with the propellant matrix. Bonding properties are found to improve when EPDM is blended with other polar rubbers like polychloroprene, chlorosulphonated polyethylene (CSE), etc. This type of polar polymer when blended with EPDM rubber enhances the insulator‐to‐propellant interface bonding. In the present work, an attempt has been made to study the properties of EPDM–CSE based insulator by incorporating HTPB, a polar polymer as well as a polymeric binder, as an additive to the EPDM–CSE blend by varying the HTPB concentration. Blends prepared were cured and characterized for rheological, mechanical, interface, and thermal properties to study the effect of HTPB addition. This paper reports the preliminary investigation of the properties of EPDM–CSE blend containing HTPB, as a novel and futuristic elastomeric insulation for case‐bonded SRM containing HTPB as propellant binder. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Well‐defined polycaprolactone precursors for low surface‐energy polyurethane films
Authors: Dikić T. , Ming W. , Thüne P. C. , van Benthem R. A. T. M. , de With G.
Published: November 2007

For the purpose of developing model coating systems, it is important to use well‐defined coating precursors. In this work, polyester oligomers were synthesized by controlled ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone and 4‐tert‐butyl‐ε‐caprolactone via an activated monomer mechanism. These well‐defined oligomers, including 3‐armed hydroxyl‐functionalized polyesters and perfluoroalkyl‐end‐capped linear polyesters, have been obtained with controlled functionality and low‐molecular weight polydispersity and without the formation of cyclic structures, as demonstrated by MALDI‐ToF MS analyses. The polymer architecture and functionality can be tuned by using different initiating alcohols. These oligomers have been used as precursors to prepare model low surface‐energy polyurethane coatings. Upon the addition of about 1 wt % of fluorine in the polyurethane films, the advancing contact angles for water and hexadecane have been increased to 105° and 78°, respectively; the surface enrichment of fluorinated species has been confirmed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 218–227, 2008
Simulation‐based Knowledge Acquisition for Intelligent Belt Conveyor Monitoring
Authors: Pang Yusong , Lodewijks Gabriel
Published: November 2007

The development of knowledge‐based systems (KBS) enables accumulated experience and knowledge to be applied to the intelligent monitoring in the field of large‐scale belt conveyor systems. The first step of building knowledge bases in a KBS is referred to the knowledge acquisition (KA). KA from domain experts and field experiments has often been considered as the most difficult task and time‐consuming process. This paper introduces a methodology for knowledge‐based intelligent belt conveyor monitoring that uses simulation to speed up and simplify the process of KA. Results of laboratory experiments show the efficiency and the accuracy of the introduced simulation‐based KA method.
Influence of Powder Material Moisture on the Angle of Wall Friction
Authors: Fekete Roman , Peciar Marián , Hanzel Marián
Published: November 2007

The angle of wall friction is an important parameter which depends on the force interactions between particle material and a surface that are in contact with each other before and during motion. A standard shear testing technique for particle solids with the Jenike shear cell can be used for its determination. The composition of particle solids allows a certain volume of liquid to reside within its structure. This can be caused by atmospheric moisture or it can be created by adding the exact amount of liquid that is needed for a certain way of processing, e.g., extrusion. It also has an influence on the adhesion of wet particle matter and the friction forces during motion. The influence of the different moisture content, time of consolidation and velocity of movement of the wet powder on the friction force under different vertical forces was tested. The results show that there is a zone where the friction force increases as the moisture increases. The forces of adhesion have a significant role in this zone and the maximum value is achieved. Beyond this point there is a zone where the friction forces sharply decrease because the capillary forces are replaced by the effect of lubrication.
Large area metal dot matrices made by diffraction mask projection laser ablation
Authors: Mäder M. , Höche T. , Gerlach J. W. , Böhme R. , Zimmer K. , Rauschenbach B.
Published: November 2007

A route towards large area metal dot templates is presented. The templates are generated by diffraction mask projection laser ablation of thin metal films. The well ordered nanodot‐matrices are fast and easy to fabricate and show a high homogeneity over a large area. The metal nanodots are bound to the substrate, making them suitable for subsequent 3D nanostructure synthesis such as glancing angle deposition and nanowire growth mechanisms. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Nondegeneracy of the random double oscillator
Authors: Wihstutz V.
Published: November 2007

It is shown that under mild conditions the double oscillator with random parametric excitation satisfies the nondegeneracy properties that form the basic assumptions for the qualitative theory of stochastic linear systems. Necessary and sufficient conditions for hypoellipticity and weak ellipticity of the associated generator are established as well as the non skew‐symmetrizability of the matrices of the system.
Local modelling of sea surface topography from (geostrophic) ocean flow
Authors: Fehlinger T. , Freeden W. , Gramsch S. , Mayer C. , Michel D. , Schreiner M.
Published: November 2007

Calculating locally without boundary correction would lead to errors near the boundary. To avoid these Gibbs phenomenona we additionally consider the boundary integral of the corresponding region on the sphere which occurs in the integral formula of the solution. For reasons of simplicity we discuss a spherical cap first, that means we consider a continuously differentiable (regular) boundary curve. In a second step we concentrate on a more complicated domain with a non continuously differentiable boundary curve, namely a rectangular region. It will turn out that the boundary integral provides a major part for stabilizing and reconstructing the approximation of the solution in our multiscale procedure.
Radiofrequency ablation of osseous metastases for the palliation of pain
Authors: Thanos L. , Mylona S. , Galani P. , Tzavoulis D. , Kalioras V. , Tanteles S. , Pomoni M.
Published: November 2007

A number of different methods have been proposed for pain relief in cancer patients with bone metastases, each with different indications, contraindications and complications (systemic analgesics, bisphosphonates, antitumor chemotherapy, radiotherapy, systemic radio-isotopes, local surgery and vertebroplasty). The ideal treatment has to be fast, safe, effective and tolerable for the patient. CT-guided radiofrequency (RF) ablation may fulfill these criteria. Our experience in the treatment of 30 patients (34 lesions) with painful bone metastases using RF ablation was assessed. There was a significant decrease in the mean past-24-h Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) score for worst pain, for average pain and for pain interference during daily life (4.7, 4.8 and 5.3 units respectively) 4 and 8 weeks after treatment. There was a marked decrease (3 out of 30 patients 4 and 8 weeks after treatment) in the use of analgesics. CT-guided RF ablation appears to be effective for treatment of painful bone metastases.
Scoliosis in-brace curve correction and patient preference of CAD/CAM versus plaster molded TLSOs
Authors: Sankar Wudbhav N. , Albrektson Josh , Lerman Lawrence , Tolo Vernon T. , Skaggs David L.
Published: November 2007

Purpose

CAD/CAM technology is a newer technique for creating spinal orthoses than standard plaster molded methods. To our knowledge there has been only one previous study of CAD/CAM braces. The purpose of our study was to compare patient preference and in-brace correction of Cobb angle between plaster molded thoracolumbosacral orthoses (TLSO) and CAD/CAM designed TLSOs in a series of patients with scoliosis.

Methods

Ten patients with an average initial Cobb angle of 30.8° (range 18°–46°) had both a plaster molded TLSO and a CAD/CAM TLSO fabricated for them. In each case, the decision to brace was made by the treating surgeon based on curve magnitude and skeletal maturity. After 3 weeks of 23 h a day wear, in-brace correction of the Cobb angle was measured for each brace based on standard PA spine radiographs. After 3 months of use, patients were asked which brace they preferred.

Results

For the CAD/CAM brace, the mean curve correction after 3 months was 51% compared to 44% in the plaster molded TLSO cohort. ( p = 0.46). Seven out of nine patients preferred the CAD/CAM TLSO over the plaster molded TLSO. There were no brace complications in either group.

Conclusion

In our matched cohort study, CAD/CAM TLSOs had at least equivalent if not superior correction of the Cobb angle compared to standard plaster molded TLSOs; 78% of our patients preferred the CAD/CAM brace over the standard TLSO.
Sciatic nerve cuffing in mice: A model of sustained neuropathic pain
Authors: Benbouzid Malika , Pallage Viviane , Rajalu Mathieu , Waltisperger Elisabeth , Doridot Stéphane , Poisbeau Pierrick , Freund‐Mercier Marie José , Barrot Michel
Published: November 2007

Because of its severity, chronicity, resistance to usual therapy and its consequences on quality of life, neuropathic pain represents a real clinical challenge. Fundamental research on this pathology uses metabolic, pharmacological or traumatic models in rodents that reproduce the characteristic human pain symptoms. In 1996, Mosconi and Kruger morphologically described a model of peripheral neuropathy in which a cuff of polyethylene tubing was placed around the sciatic nerve in rats. In the present study, we evaluated the behavioral consequences of this neuropathic pain model in C57Bl/6J mice which is the main genetic background used for studies in transgenic mice. A short cuff of polyethylene tubing was unilaterally placed around the main branch of the sciatic nerve. It induced an ipsilateral heat thermal hyperalgesia lasting around 3 weeks, and a sustained ipsilateral mechanical allodynia lasting at least 2 months. We showed that this neuropathic pain model is insensitive to ketoprofen, a non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug. Morphine treatment acutely suppressed the mechanical allodynia, but tolerance to this effect rapidly developed. The analysis of video recordings revealed that most aspects of spontaneous behavior remained unaffected on the long term, excepted for a decrease in the time spent at social interaction for the neuropathic mice. Using the elevated plus‐maze and the marble‐burying test, we also showed that neuropathic mice develop an anxiety phenotype. Our data indicate that sciatic nerve cuffing in mice is a pertinent model for the study of nociceptive and emotional consequences of sustained neuropathic pain.
Influence of ATP and ADP on dissociation of the V‐ATPase into its V1 and VO complexes
Authors: Huss Markus , Wieczorek Helmut
Published: November 2007

Although the reversible dissociation of the V1VO holoenzyme into its V1 and VO complexes is a general mechanism for the regulation of V‐ATPases, important aspects are still not understood. By analyzing the endogenous nucleotide content of the V1VO holoenzyme and of the V1 complex, both purified from Manduca sexta larval midgut, we found that the V1 complex contained 1.7 molec. of ADP, whereas only 0.3 molec. of ADP were bound to the V1VO holoenzyme. By contrast, both proteins contained only negligible amounts of ATP. Incubation of the V1VO holoenzyme with various adenine nucleotides revealed that ATP hydrolysis, leading to a state containing tightly bound ADP is necessary for its dissociation.
Desulfoferrodoxin of Clostridium acetobutylicum functions as a superoxide reductase
Authors: Riebe Oliver , Fischer Ralf-Jörg , Bahl Hubert
Published: November 2007

Desulfoferrodoxin (cac2450) of Clostridium acetobutylicum was purified after overexpression in E. coli. In an in vitro assay the enzyme exhibited superoxide reductase activity with rubredoxin (cac2778) of C. acetobutylicum as the proximal electron donor. Rubredoxin was reduced by ferredoxin:NADP+ reductase from spinach and NADPH. The superoxide anions, generated from dissolved oxygen using Xanthine and Xanthine oxidase, were reduced to hydrogen peroxide. Thus, we assume that desulfoferrodoxin is the key factor in the superoxide reductase dependent part of an alternative pathway for detoxification of reactive oxygen species in this obligate anaerobic bacterium.
Airborne Laser Swath Mapping: Achieving the resolution and accuracy required for geosurficial research
Authors: Slatton K. Clint , Carter William E. , Shrestha Ramesh L. , Dietrich William
Published: November 2007

Modern Airborne Laser Swath Mapping (ALSM) instrumentation, with laser pulse rates in excess of 100,000 Hz, has made it possible to map topography over hundreds of square kilometers per day, with sufficient resolution to answer long standing questions and test new theories pertaining to land surface processes. But sensor technology is changing rapidly, and its operation is sufficiently complex that data collection and processing methods must continue to evolve to take advantage of sensor advances. In 2003, the National Science Foundation established the National Center for Airborne Laser Mapping (NCALM) to collect and process ALSM data. As a result, more research‐quality ALSM observations have become available to the earth science community. But as the amount of available ALSM data rapidly increases, it becomes imperative to identify and describe the parameters that control data quality, so that data sets may be evaluated as to whether they are adequate for particular applications.
Control of the aspect ratio of the chamber roof on caldera formation during silicic eruptions
Authors: Scandone R. , Acocella V.
Published: November 2007

Several factors may control the development of a silicic caldera during an eruption: here we match previous studies of caldera forming eruptions with analogue experiments to consider the role of the aspect ratio (thickness/width) of the magma chamber roof. These data suggest that large silicic caldera formation is controlled by: (1) the availability of magma; (2) initial explosive eruption through a conduit connecting the reservoir and the surface; (3) fast depressurization of the reservoir; and (4) chamber roof collapse, with newly‐formed fractures connecting the reservoir with the surface and creation of a continuous ring conduit feeding annular vents, capable of sustaining the eruption. The occurrence of the latter condition may depend upon the aspect ratio of the chamber roof: lower ratios (<1.6) form coherent collapse, ensuring connection from the chamber to the surface; higher ratios (>1.6) form incoherent collapse, which may hinder the continuation of the eruption after an initial partial emptying of the chamber. The aspect ratio of the chamber roof should therefore be considered as a further factor, capable of controlling the formation of large silicic calderas.
Quasi‐analytic models for density bubbles and plasma clouds in the equatorial ionosphere: 2. A simple Lagrangian transport model
Authors: Bernhardt Paul A.
Published: November 2007

The transport equations for the motion of plasma in the equatorial ionosphere are solved using exact solutions for induced electric potentials and deformation of plasma density coordinates. The primary purpose of the quasi‐analytic model is to provide an efficient description of the plasma structure in the equatorial ionosphere suitable for investigation of effects on radio wave propagation and ionospheric sensors. The analytic model of the electric fields produces incompressible motion that moves the locations of “plasma cells” but does not change the density of the plasma in each cell. This Lagrangian approach employs a time‐dependent coordinate mapping of the undisturbed layer grid. Using internal electric potentials of the bubbles and external polarizations of the F layer as a whole, a transport model yields tilted plasma plumes that move through the F region. Irregularity steepening is obtained with this model. The time‐dependent computer model provides useful plasma densities in a fraction of the time for fully numerical simulations.
Aerosol optical properties and radiative effects in the Yangtze Delta region of China
Authors: Xia Xiangao , Li Zhanqing , Holben Brent , Wang Pucai , Eck Tom , Chen Hongbin , Cribb Maureen , Zhao Yanxia
Published: November 2007

One year's worth of aerosol and surface irradiance data from September 2005 to August 2006 were obtained at Taihu, the second supersite for the East Asian Study of Tropospheric Aerosols: An International Regional Experiment (EAST‐AIRE). Aerosol optical properties derived from measurements by a Sun photometer were analyzed. The aerosol data were used together with surface irradiance data to quantitatively estimate aerosol effects on surface shortwave radiation (SWR) and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). The annual mean aerosol optical depth at 500 nm is 0.77, and mean Ångstrom wavelength exponent is 1.17. The annual mean aerosol single scattering albedo and mean aerosol asymmetry factor at 440 nm are 0.90 and 0.72, respectively. Both parameters show a weak seasonal variation, with small values occurring during the winter and larger values during the summer. Clear positive relationships between relative humidity and aerosol properties suggest aerosol hygroscopic growth greatly modifies aerosol properties. The annual mean aerosol direct radiative forcing at the surface (ADRF) is −38.4 W m−2 and −17.8 W m−2 for SWR and PAR, respectively. Because of moderate absorption, the instantaneous ADRF at the top of the atmosphere derived from CERES SSF data is close to zero. Heavy aerosol loading in this region leads to −112.6 W m−2 and −45.5 W m−2 reduction in direct and global SWR, but 67.1 W m−2 more diffuse SWR reaching the surface. With regard to PAR, the annual mean differences in global, direct and diffuse irradiance are −23.1 W m−2, −65.2 W m−2 and 42.1 W m−2 with and without the presence of aerosol, respectively.
Role of a central administrator in managing water resources: The case of the Israeli water commissioner
Authors: Feitelson Eran , Fischhendler Itay , Kay Paul
Published: November 2007

Water managers are usually implicitly assumed to be public servants whose sole purpose is to manage water in the best possible way for the public good. Yet water managers, as all bureaucrats, have interests, ideas, beliefs, and constituencies. This paper investigates whether and how differences between water managers affect the management of water resources and especially their action in face of scientific uncertainty. Israel has an exceptionally centralized national water system. The water commissioner entrusted with operating and regulating this system has wide‐ranging power to allocate water among users and to determine the rate of abstraction from the various water resources. The water allocations and abstraction policies of different water commissioners in Israel are analyzed. It is shown that the tenure of a water commissioner is a significant explanatory variable of water resource management, controlling for variations in precipitation and state of the water resources. A more detailed analysis of their abstraction decisions shows that different water commissioners followed distinctly different policies under similar conditions. It is suggested that a stricter checks and balances system may attenuate these intertenure variations in policies.