bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new expandable cannula system for endoscopic evacuation of intraparenchymal hemorrhages
Authors: Waran Vicknes , Vairavan Narayanan , Sia Sheau Fung , Abdullah Basri
Published: May 2009

The authors describe a newly developed expandable cannula to enable a more efficient use of an endoscope in removing intraparenchymal spontaneous hypertensive intracerebral hematomas. The cannula is introduced like a conventional brain cannula, using neuronavigation techniques to reach the targeted hematoma accurately, and, once deployed, conventional microsurgical techniques are used under direct endoscopic visualization.

This method was used in 6 patients, and, based on the results of intraoperative intracranial pressure monitoring and postoperative CT scanning, the authors were able to achieve good hematoma removal. They found that by using the expandable cannula, efficient endoscopic surgery in the brain parenchyma was possible.
Necrotizing Fasciitis in a Plaster-Casted Limb: Case Report
Authors: Netzer Giora , Fuchs Barry D.
Published: May 2009

Casts may be associated with, and mask, serious life-threatening complications, including infection, compartment syndrome, and deep vein thrombosis with or without pulmonary embolism. A 43-year-old woman had necrotizing fasciitis associated with a closed-reduction casting of a tibial fracture. Her treatment highlights the importance of removing a cast and assessing the skin and tissue underneath for signs of infection in patients with suspected infection. Thorough assessment, early diagnosis, and early intervention in necrotizing fasciitis and sepsis are important to improve patients’ outcomes.
Comparison of Glucose Point-of-Care Values With Laboratory Values in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Shearer Anna , Boehmer Marilyn , Closs Melanie , Dela Rosa Rosalina , Hamilton Jean , Horton Karen , McGrath Rose , Schulman Christine
Published: May 2009

Background Blood from central venous or arterial catheters as well as from fingersticks is often used for point-of-care glucose testing.

Objectives To compare glucose values obtained with a point-of-care device for catheter and fingerstick blood samples with values obtained by clinical laboratory analysis of a catheter blood sample.

Methods A method-comparison design was used. Point-of-care values for fingerstick and catheter blood samples were compared with laboratory values for blood from catheters in a convenience sample of 63 critically ill patients. Device bias and precision were calculated and graphed according to the Bland-Altman method, and a t test was used to determine differences in glucose values for the 2 methods.

Results Laboratory glucose values for blood from a catheter sample differed significantly from point-of-care values for blood from a fingerstick (t1,61 = 5.01; P < .001) and from a catheter (t1,61 = 3.91; P < .001). Bias and precision for the point-of-care device was large (fingerstick, 8.7 and 13.7; catheter, 7.0 and 14.0); 20% of the values differed from the laboratory glucose values by more than 20 mg/dL. Point-of-care glucose values for fingerstick and catheter samples did not differ (P = .41).

Conclusions Glucose values obtained with a point-of-care device differ significantly from those obtained by laboratory analysis. The magnitude of these differences calls into question the widespread practice of using point-of-care glucose testing to guide insulin titration for tight glucose control. Errors in dosing could easily be made because of the large bias and precision associated with a point-of-care device.
Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy spectroscopic investigation of the aging mechanism of polyethylene terephthalate vascular prostheses
Authors: Chaouch W. , Dieval F. , Le Nouen D. , Defoin A. , Chakfe N. , Durand B.
Published: May 2009

This article attempts to develop and prove a technique to determine the degradation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) for vascular prostheses. The implicit goal is to be able to quantify the amount of degradation to study the effect of in vivo aging. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐NMR) provides a comprehensive view of chemical macromolecular structures. Examination of a series of PET vascular prostheses showed significant chemical differences between the virgin prostheses and the explants collected after aging, especially for diethylene glycol and cyclic oligomers groups. Aging was investigated in terms of chemical scission of ester and ether linkages caused by hydrolytic reaction during the in vivo stay. Besides, we extended this 1H‐NMR technique to determine hydroxyl end‐group concentrations and therefore the average number of macromolecular weight. To validate 1H‐NMR results, complementary techniques, the chemical titration method and the classical viscosimetric method, were used. The results showed an increase of hydroxyl end‐group concentration and a decrease in the macromolecular weight for the explants. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Multiple melting and partial miscibility of ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer/low density polyethylene blends
Authors: Shi Xuming , Jin Jing , Chen Shuangjun , Zhang Jun
Published: May 2009

Multiple melting behaviors and partial miscibility of ethylene‐vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer/low density polyethylene (LDPE) binary blend via isothermal crystallization are investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and wide angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD). Crystallization temperature T (°C) is designed as 30, 50, 70, 80°C with different crystallization times t (min) of 10, 30, 60, 300, 600 min. The increase of crystallization temperature and time can facilitate the growth in lateral crystal size, and also the shift of melting peak, which means the completion of defective secondary crystallization. For blends of various fractions, sequence distribution of ethylene segments results in complex multiple melting behaviors during isothermal crystallization process. Overlapping endothermic peaks and drops of equilibrium melting points of LDPE component extrapolated from Hoffman–Weeks plots clarify the existence of partial miscibility in crystalline region between EVA and LDPE. WAXD results show that variables have no perceptible influence on the predominant existence of orthorhombic crystalline phase structure. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Mining performance data through nonlinear PCA with optimal scaling
Authors: Costantini Paola , Linting Marielle , Porzio Giovanni C.
Published: May 2009

Performance data are usually collected in order to build well‐defined performance indicators. Since such data may conceal additional information, which can be revealed by secondary analysis, we believe that mining of performance data may be fruitful. We also note that performance databases usually contain both qualitative and quantitative variables for which it may be inappropriate to assume some specific (multivariate) underlying distribution. Thus, a suitable technique to deal with these issues should be adopted. In this work, we consider nonlinear principal component analysis (PCA) with optimal scaling, a method developed to incorporate all types of variables, and to discover and handle nonlinear relationships. The reader is offered a case study in which a student opinion database is mined. Though generally gathered to provide evidence of teaching ability, they are exploited here to provide a more general performance evaluation tool for those in charge of managing universities. We show how nonlinear PCA with optimal scaling applied to student opinion data enables users to point out some strengths and weaknesses of educational programs and services within a university. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Establishing a sustainable biorefining industry
Authors: Bennett Simon J. , Annevelink Bert
Published: May 2009

Planning for a future biorefining industry will benefit from interdisciplinary research. © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Robust stabilization for a class of uncertain switched linear systems via variable gain controllers
Authors: Oya Hidetoshi , Hagino Kojiro
Published: May 2009

This paper discusses a design problem of robust stabilization for a class of uncertain switched linear systems via variable gain controllers. The uncertainties under consideration are assumed to satisfy the matching condition, and switching among subsystems is determined by using the nominal system. The proposed robust stabilizing controller consists of a switching rule, a state feedback law with a constant gain matrix, and a state feedback law with a variable gain matrix tuned by adjustable parameters. In this paper, we present a method for the design of the switching rule, the feedback gain matrices, and the adjustment law of the adjustable parameter. Finally, numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed robust stabilizing controller. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 92(6): 12–20, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10090
Passivity‐based control on dynamic visual feedback systems with movable camera configuration
Authors: Murao Toshiyuki , Kawai Hiroyuki , Fujita Masayuki
Published: May 2009

This paper deals with control of dynamic visual feedback systems with a movable camera configuration. This configuration consists of a robot manipulator and a camera that is attached to the end‐effector of another robot manipulator. This system, which can be interpreted as the dynamic visual feedback system with an eye‐in‐hand configuration and a fixed camera one as a special case, can enlarge the field of view. First, the dynamic visual feedback system with an eye‐to‐hand configuration is given with the fundamental representation of a relative rigid body motion. Second, we construct the dynamic visual feedback system with a movable camera configuration by combining the camera control error system. Next, we derive the passivity of the dynamic visual feedback system. Based on the passivity, stability andL2‐gain performance analysis are discussed. Finally the validity of the proposed control law can be confirmed by comparing the experimental results. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 92(6): 1–11, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10091
Piezoelectricity and visible light luminescence in tetravalent‐metal‐doped poled silica thin films
Authors: Uno Takehiko , Noge Satoru , Fujitsuka Shun
Published: May 2009

It is known that poling treatment in germanium‐doped silica (Ge:SiO2) glass raises their optical nonlinearity and produces the Pockels effect. This means that the poling treatment in Ge:SiO2 produces asymmetry in the glass. We generated piezoelectricity in poled Ge:SiO2 glass thin films. Tetravalent‐metal‐doped SiO2 (M4:SiO2) films were prepared on Si substrates by RF magnetron sputtering. We used germanium, titanium, and tin as doping materials. However, less than a week later, piezoelectricity disappeared almost completely in all of the samples. To prevent piezoelectricity from disappearing, we attempted to pin the doping ions. We developed a pinning technique based on the superstructure of a Ge‐Ti‐Sn:SiO2 and Ge‐Ti‐Zr:SiO2. The superstructure was very effective in preventing piezoelectricity from disappearing. Furthermore, broadband visible light emission was observed in the proposed superstructure film. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 168(3): 28–37, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20777
Development of interior permanent magnet motors reducing harmonic iron losses under field weakening control
Authors: Yamazaki Katsumi , Ohki Shunji , Nezu Akira , Ikemi Takeshi
Published: May 2009

In this paper, we present the development of interior magnet motors reducing iron loss at high rotational speed under the flux weakening control. The rotor core and magnet shapes are determined by the automatic numerical calculation using combination of the optimization method and the adaptive finite element method. The optimized motor is manufactured to prove the effectiveness by the measurement of the iron loss. Both results of the calculation and the measurement indicate that the iron loss of the proposed motor at the high rotational speed under the flux weakening control is reduced by half compared with the initial rotor shape while the torque is nearly constant. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 168(3): 59–66, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience. wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20827
Compensation of performance degradation caused by fault based on GIMC structure: Application to a redundant sensor fault of flexible arm
Authors: Yubai Kazuhiro , Sakuishi Tsubasa , Hirai Junji
Published: May 2009

In recent years, control system reliability has received much attention with an increase of situations where computer‐controlled systems such as robot control systems are used. In order to improve reliability, control systems need to have abilities to detect a fault (fault detection) and maintain the stability and the control performance (fault tolerance). This paper deals with the strain gauge sensor fault of a flexible arm robot. In order to achieve a fault‐tolerant control system, the effect of the fault is identified as dual Youla parameter by regarding the estimation error of the faulty sensor signal as the faulty plant output. Moreover, Youla parameter is designed so as to suppress the effect of dual Youla parameter. Youla parameter is implemented in GIMC (Generalized Internal Model Control) structure proposed by Zhou. Since GIMC structure includes a conditional feedback, it is suitable for achieving a fault‐tolerant control system. The effectiveness of the proposed fault‐tolerant control system is confirmed by experiments. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 168(3): 48–58, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www. interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20830
Stabilization of wind energy conversion system with hydrogen generator by using EDLC energy storage system
Authors: Shishido Seiji , Takahashi Rion , Murata Toshiaki , Tamura Junji , Sugimasa Masatoshi , Komura Akiyoshi , Futami Motoo , Ichinose Masaya , Ide Kazumasa
Published: May 2009

The spread of wind power generation has progressed hugely in recent years from the viewpoint of environmental problems including global warming. Though wind power is considered as a very prospective energy source, wind power fluctuation due to the random fluctuation of wind speed has still created some problems. Therefore, research has been performed on how to smooth the wind power fluctuation. This paper proposes Energy Capacitor System (ECS) for the smoothing of wind power which consists of Electric Double‐Layer Capacitor (EDLC) and power electronics devices and works as an electric power storage system. Moreover, hydrogen has received much attention in recent years from the viewpoint of the problem of exhaustion of fossil fuel. Therefore, it is also proposed that a hydrogen generator be installed at the wind farm to generate hydrogen. In this paper, the effectiveness of the proposed system is verified by simulation analyses using PSCAD/EMTDC. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 168(3): 10–18, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20864
Organizational justice, voluntary learning behavior, and job performance: A test of the mediating effects of identification and leader‐member exchange
Authors: Walumbwa Fred O. , Cropanzano Russell , Hartnell Chad A.
Published: May 2009

This paper presents and tests an integrative model of voluntary learning behavior. Drawing on social exchange theory, we argue that individuals are more likely to pursue learning activities when they identify with their employing organization and have a high quality leader–member exchange (LMX) relationship with their supervisor. We further argue that organizational identification is enhanced by both distributive and procedural fairness, whereas LMX quality is enhanced by interpersonal and informational fairness. Moreover, we contend that effective learning behavior improves job performance. The model was tested with a sample of 398 employees from a large automobile dealership. Results supported most predictions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Emotional exhaustion and job performance: The moderating roles of distributive justice and positive affect
Authors: Janssen Onne , Lam Catherine K. , Huang Xu
Published: May 2009

In a field study among 241 shop assistants and their 59 supervisors in fashion chain stores in Mainland China and Hong Kong, we found a negative relationship between emotional exhaustion and four indicators of job performance (overall performance, emotional display, OCB‐O, and OCB‐I) when employees perceived high levels of distributive justice in the exchange relationship with the organization, whereas emotional exhaustion was unrelated to any of these performance types when employees perceived low levels of distributive justice. In addition, this negative two‐way interaction effect of emotional exhaustion by distributive justice on job performance was buffered when employees were high on positive affect and intensified when they were low on positive affect. We used the conservation of resources (COR) theory, the attribution model of justice, and the broaden‐and‐build theory of positive emotions to clarify and discuss the moderating roles of distributive justice and positive affect in the relationship between emotional exhaustion and job performance. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Holocene climatic fluctuations and positioning of the Southern Hemisphere westerlies in Tierra del Fuego (54° S), Patagonia
Authors: Waldmann Nicolas , Ariztegui Daniel , Anselmetti Flavio S. , Austin James A. , Moy Christopher M. , Stern Charles , Recasens Cristina , Dunbar Robert B.
Published: May 2009

Recent advances in the chronology and the palaeoclimatic understanding of Antarctic ice core records point towards a larger heterogeneity of latitudinal climate fluctuations than previously thought. Thus, realistic palaeoclimate reconstructions rely in the development of a tight array of well‐constrained records with a dense latitudinal coverage. Climatic records from southernmost South America are critical cornerstones to link these Antarctic palaeoclimatic archives with their South American counterparts. At 54° S on the Island of Tierra del Fuego, Lago Fagnano is located in one of the most substantially and extensively glaciated regions of southernmost South America during the Late Pleistocene. This elongated lake is the largest (∼110 km long) and non‐ice covered lake at high southern latitudes. A multi‐proxy study of selected cores allows the characterisation of a Holocene sedimentary record. Detailed petrophysical, sedimentological and geochemical studies of a complete lacustrine laminated sequence reveal variations in major and trace elements, as well as organic content, suggesting high variability in environmental conditions. Comparison of these results with other regional records allows the identification of major known late Holocene climatic intervals and the proposal for a time for the onset of the Southern Westerlies in Tierra del Fuego. These results improve our understanding of the forcing mechanisms behind climate change in southernmost Patagonia. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pinus and Betula pollen accumulation rates from the northern boreal forest as a record of interannual variation in July temperature
Authors: Kuoppamaa Mari , Huusko Antti , Hicks Sheila
Published: May 2009

Fossil Pinus and Betula pollen accumulation rates (PARs, grains cm−2 a−1) from a peat profile in Nellim, northern Finland, were compared to a 20‐year annually resolved record of monitored pollen deposition data of both taxa from 2.5 km away, in order to determine the boundaries in the fossil pollen record. The smoothing inherent in the fossil PAR data is about 5 years compared with the annually monitored PARs but, while year‐to‐year variation in PARs is lost, the overall trend is retained. The fossil PARs were then calibrated with the appropriately smoothed temperature record for northern Finland. Betula pollen accumulation rates are much lower in the fossil record compared to the monitored ones. The correlation between fossil Betula PARs and July mean temperatures is much higher than the correlation between fossil Pinus PARs and temperature, probably because the subspecies Betula pubescens ssp. pubescens is at its northern limit in the area. The temperature signal in this dataset was disturbed during the period when the forests in the area were heavily cut and when regenerating trees were reaching maturity. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cognitive segmentation: Modeling the structure and content of customers' thoughts
Authors: Carrillat François A. , Riggle Robert J. , Locander William B. , Gebhardt Gary F. , Lee James M.
Published: May 2009

This paper proposes a cognitive segmentation technique that models both customers' cognitive content and structure. Cognitive segmentation provides a quantitative operationalization of idiographic cognitions that can be compared and integrated across customers to move beyond the in‐depth understanding and wide generalizing trade‐off. In addition, cognitive segmentation utilizes participants' own semantics for eliciting and aggregating cognitions. This method allows researchers to understand content in light of structure, as participants' elicited cognitive contents are further interpreted as a function of the complexity of their cognitive structures. The conceptual foundations from personal construct theory as well as a description of the nine‐step implementation process whereby participants fill out a modified version of Kelly's Repertory Grid and complete Borman's trait implication procedure are provided. An application illustrates how cognitive segmentation can identify and assess the size potential of each customer target as a function of their cognitive content and structure. A discussion of the results and directions for further research are also provided. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The role of consideration sets in brand choice: The moderating role of product characteristics
Authors: Suh Jung‐Chae
Published: May 2009

This study investigates the role of consideration sets in brand choice. Brand‐level aggregated data are used to capture the responses of consumers who face a number of international and domestic brands in markets rather than two or three brands in experimental designs, as in Chaudhuri and Holbrook (2001). Empirical evidence from path analysis shows that the consideration set for hedonic products includes a smaller number of dominant brands, whereas the consideration set for utilitarian products includes more and diverse brands. The probability of being finally chosen from the consideration set differs according to product characteristics: hedonic vs. utilitarian. The authors discuss managerial implications and suggestions for future research. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neurochemical biomarkers in the differential diagnosis of movement disorders
Authors: Mollenhauer Brit , Trenkwalder Claudia
Published: May 2009

In recent years, the neurochemical analysis of neuronal proteins in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has become increasingly accepted for the diagnosis of neurodegenerative dementia diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease. CSF surrounds the central nervous system, and in the composition of CSF proteins one finds brain‐specific proteins that are prioritized from blood‐derived proteins. Levels of specific CSF proteins could be very promising biomarkers for central nervous system diseases. We need the development of more easily accessible biomarkers, in the blood. In neurodegenerative diseases with and without dementia, studies on CSF and blood proteins have investigated the usefulness of biomarkers in differential diagnosis. The clinical diagnoses of Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, multiple system atrophy, progressive supranuclear palsy, and corticobasal degeneration still rely mainly on clinical symptoms as defined by international classification criteria. In this article, we review CSF biomarkers in these movement disorders and discuss recent published reports on the neurochemical intra vitam diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders (including recent CSF α‐synuclein findings). © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
The clinical spectrum of stereotypies in frontotemporal lobar degeneration
Authors: Mateen Farrah J. , Josephs Keith A.
Published: May 2009

We clinically assessed patients meeting international criteria for frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) for the presence and characteristics of stereotypies. Of 32 subjects with FTLD (50% women), 19 (60%) had stereotypies. The majority of patients with stereotypies were female (68%). The median age of symptom onset suggestive of FTLD was 58 years (range: 37–74), with a mean time to stereotypy onset of 2.1 years. In all cases, the stereotypies were simple. There were no differences in the age of FTLD onset, functional imaging results, neuropsychological test scores or frequency of mood disorders or psychoses between those with and without stereotypical movements. However, compulsive behavior was noted more often in those with stereotypies (58% vs. 15%, P = 0.02). Of the 19 patients with stereotypies, three had vocal stereotypies, and three had both vocal and motor stereotypies. Of the 16 subjects with motor stereotypies, 9(56%) were appendicular and 7 (44%) were craniocervical. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic crossover comparison of two levodopa extension strategies
Authors: LeWitt Peter A. , Jennings Danna , Lyons Kelly E. , Pahwa Rajesh , Rabinowicz Adrian L. , Wang James , Guarnieri Maria , Hubble Jean P. , Murck Harold
Published: May 2009

Controlled‐release carbidopa and levodopa (CL‐CR) and the combination of carbidopa, levodopa, and entacapone (CLE) are used for extending levodopa (L‐dopa) effects. In a randomized, open‐label crossover study of 17 PD subjects with wearing‐off responses, we compared 8‐hour L‐dopa pharmacokinetics (PK) and clinical effects after two doses of CL‐CR (50 and 200 mg, respectively) and CLE (37.7, 150, 200 mg, respectively). PK analysis revealed the anticipated near‐equivalent mean L‐dopa area‐under‐the‐concentration‐curve values (639,490 ng min/mL for two doses of CLE, and 662,577 for CL‐CR, P = 0.86). The mean hourly fluctuation index for L‐dopa concentration was 235% for CLE and 196% for CL‐CR (P = 0.004). The mean maximal concentration for the first CLE dose was 1,926 ± 760 ng/mL and for CL‐CR, 1,840 ± 889 (P = 0.33). During the PK studies, the mean time that L‐dopa concentration was ≥1,000 ng/mL for CLE was 291 ± 88 minutes and for CL‐CR, 306 ± 86 (P = 0.33). The mean percent‐time in “off” state was 18% for CLE and 28% for CL‐CR (P = 0.017), “on state without dyskinesia” was 64% for CLE and 65% for CL‐CR (P = 0.803), and “on state with nontroublesome dyskinesia” was 18% for CLE and 7% for CL‐CR (P = 0.03). Despite less “off” time with CLE, both formulations demonstrated similar mean PK values and marked intersubject PK variability. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Aniline/α‐cyano‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid is a highly versatile ionic liquid for matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Calvano Cosima D. , Carulli Saverio , Palmisano Francesco
Published: May 2009

The performance of a matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) ionic liquid matrix (ILM) consisting of α‐cyano‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA) and aniline (ANI) was evaluated to assess whether it could offer possible advantages over conventional matrices. Ultraviolet (UV), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (LDI‐MS) experiments were carried out with the aim of confirming the structure of the ANI‐CHCA ILM. Different model analytes such as amino acids, peptides, proteins, lipids, phospholipids, synthetic polymers, and sugars were tested. Mass spectra with similar or improved signal‐to‐noise (S/N) ratio (compared to CHCA) were invariably obtained demonstrating the potential of this ILM as a general purpose matrix. Furthermore, protein identification by peptide mass fingerprinting (PMF) and database search was facilitated compared to CHCA since higher scores and increased sequence coverage were observed. Finally, a complex lipid mixture (i.e. a raw extract of a milk sample) analysed by MALDI‐MS showed improved S/N ratio, a reduced chemical noise and a limited formation of matrix‐clusters. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A simple rapid method to precisely determine 13C/12C ratios of plant methoxyl groups
Authors: Greule Markus , Mosandl Armin , Hamilton John T. G. , Keppler Frank
Published: May 2009

Stable isotope ratios of individual plant components have become a valuable tool for the determination of the geographical origin and authenticity of foodstuff. A recently published method with considerable potential in this context is the measurement of the deuterium/hydrogen (D/H) isotope ratios of plant matter methoxyl groups. The method entailed cleavage of methyl ethers or esters with hydriodic acid (HI) to form gaseous methyl iodide (CH3I) and then measurement of the δ2H value of this gas. Here, as a follow up to a previous study, we describe a method for the rapid and precise δ13C analysis of plant matter methoxyl groups using gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS). Conditions for sample preparation were investigated for isotope discrimination effects, the GC conditions optimized, the reproducibility of the measurement of standards undertaken, and the precision of the method defined. The reproducibility of the δ13C value determined for a CH3I standard on 20 consecutive measurements was found to be 0.17‰. The method was also tested on four methoxyl‐rich plant components: vanillin, lignin, wood and pectin. The analytical precision obtained, expressed as the average standard deviation, for these compounds was found to be better than 0.13‰. The described procedure which is simple and rapid, allowing preparation and analysis of a sample within 1 h, produces accurate and reproducible isotopic measurements. We suggest that this validated δ13C method when employed together with the recently published δ2H method for two‐dimensional stable isotope studies of organic matter containing methoxyl groups will be of considerable value, e.g. for proving the authenticity of foodstuff. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Studies of keratins in tongue coating samples of hepatitis B patients by mass spectrometry
Authors: Fang Fang , Liu Ping , Wang Haoyang , Zhang Li , Zhang Jing , Gao Yuping , Zeng Liming , Guo Yinlong
Published: May 2009

Pooled tongue coating samples from 64 hepatitis B patients and 24 healthy adults were studied and a major band of differential proteins was found by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE). The differential proteins in this band were identified and proved to be keratins by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) and Western blot analysis. Furthermore, relative quantification of the identified keratins was performed via using stable isotopic labeling and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS), showing the higher expression level of these keratins in tongue coating samples of hepatitis B patients than healthy adults. These results provided additional information to understand the medical diagnosis depending on the tongue coating. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of the optical constants of solar‐control amorphous silicon thin films on float glass
Authors: Liu Yong , Ni Lihong , Liu Jun Bo , Liu Qiying , Song Chenlu , Han Gaorong
Published: May 2009

An improved method employing a modified Forouhi and Bloomer disperse model with a hybridized simulated annealing algorithm is implemented in this paper, allowing the determination of refractive index, extinction coefficient, and thickness of a‐Si films at one time by fitting reflectance and transmitted spectra. The thickness of films obtained by this method has a reasonable agreement with the result by ellipsometric measurement, especially for samples with thickness in the range of 40–80 nm. The presented method exhibits low time consumption and cost, which implies a possibility of usage in real‐time on‐line measurement of solar‐control coatings on float glass. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nicotinamide Rescues Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Neuroectoderm from Parthanatic Cell Death
Authors: Cimadamore Flavio , Curchoe Carol Lynn , Alderson Nazilla , Scott Fiona , Salvesen Guy , Terskikh Alexey V.
Published: May 2009

Abundant cell death is observed when human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) undergo neuralization, a critical first step for future cell-based therapies addressing neurodegeneration. Using hESC neuralization as an in vitro model of human development, we demonstrated that the developing neuroepithelium acquires increased susceptibility to spontaneous cell death. We found that poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP1)/apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF)-mediated cell death (parthanatos) is a dominant mechanism responsible for cell loss during hESC neuralization. The demise of neural progenitor cells, at least in part, is due to decreased endogenous antioxidant defenses and enhanced reactive oxygen species leakage from mitochondria fuelled by nonphysiological culture conditions. Under such conditions, PARP1 overactivation triggered cell death through the mitochondrial-nuclear translocation of AIF. Blocking PARP1 activity with small hairpin RNA interference or nicotinamide dramatically enhanced hESC neuralization, providing optimal survival of the developing neuroepithelium. Because nicotinamide is a physiological metabolite, our results raise the possibility that neural stem/progenitor cell survival in vivo requires a metabolic niche. We argue that small natural metabolites provide a powerful physiological tool to optimize hESC differentiation compatible with the requirements of regenerative medicine.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Novel STAT3 Target Genes Exert Distinct Roles in the Inhibition of Mesoderm and Endoderm Differentiation in Cooperation with Nanog
Authors: Bourillot Pierre-Yves , Aksoy Irène , Schreiber Valerie , Wianny Florence , Schulz Herbert , Hummel Oliver , Hubner Norbert , Savatier Pierre
Published: May 2009

Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) activates the transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), which results in the maintenance of mouse embryonic stem cells in the pluripotent state by inhibiting both mesodermal and endodermal differentiation. How the LIF/STAT3 pathway inhibits commitment to both mesoderm and endoderm lineages is presently unknown. Using a hormone-dependent STAT3 and with microarray analysis, we identified 58 targets of STAT3 including 20 unknown genes. Functional analysis showed that 22 among the 23 STAT3 target genes analyzed contribute to the maintenance of the undifferentiated state, as evidenced by an increase in the frequency of differentiated colonies in a self-renewal assay and a concomitant elevation of early differentiation markers upon knockdown. Fourteen of them, including Dact1, Klf4, Klf5, Rgs16, Smad7, Ccrn4l, Cnnm1, Ocln, Ier3, Pim1, Cyr61, and Sgk, were also regulated by Nanog. Analysis of lineage-specific markers showed that the STAT3 target genes fell into three distinct categories, depending on their capacity to inhibit either mesoderm or endoderm differentiation or both. The identification of genes that harness self-renewal and are downstream targets of both STAT3 and Nanog shed light on the mechanisms underlying functional redundancy between STAT3 and Nanog in mouse embryonic stem cells.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Ultramafic Breccias from the Musa Valley, Eastern Papua
Authors: Green D. H.
Published: May 2009

In the Musa Valley area rocks of the Papuan Ultramafic Belt outcrop discontinuously over an area of 25 miles by 45 miles. The rocks are part of a folded layered sequence ranging from magnesian dunite and peridotite, chemically and petrographically typical of the alpine ultramafic suite, to olivine gabbro and bytownite gabbro. Agglomerate like breccias consisting of fragments of ultramafic rock in a variable matrix occur as irregular vent-like bodies in the peridotite and dunite and as horizontal sheets in a Pleistocene-Recent sedimentary sequence. The breccias are interpreted as vent and extrusive breccias resulting from the penetration, brecciation and local entrainment (fluidization) of peridotitic country rock by volcanic gases. Olivine alkali basalt was probably the parental magma responsible for the gaseous activity. The breccias show a sequence of stability fields for the assemblages mesh-texture serpentine and bastite (i.e. chrysotile and lizardite mixtures); antigorite; olivine and enstatite; and these are correlated qualitatively with variation in intensity of the brecciation process. Chemically the brecciation process was responsible for the addition of H2O, SiO2, CO2, Al2O3 and O2 and the removal of Fe and Mg from the fragmented rock. Minerals which are of direct crystallization in the matrix fluid environment include chalcedony, fibrous serpentine (chrysotile), magnesite, quartz, andradite, and garnierite. There is no evidence of the presence of an ultramafic, serpentine magma in the genesis of the breccias.
Structural Evidence for a Palaeozoic Orogeny in North-west Malaya
Authors: Koopmans B. N.
Published: May 2009

Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the Langkawi Islands have been subject to three generations of deformation. In the slightly dynamo-meta-morph slates in the south-east two generations of cleavage folding have been developed with a N.N.W. trend. The first resulted in a recumbent folding with a subhorizontal slaty cleavage, whereas during the second generation the slaty cleavage was deformed in open folds and a crenulation cleavage developed in the steep limbs. The two deformations were probably not formed at exactly the same time, but seem to be related with each other. Boudinage of granite sills was contemporaneous with the development of the slaty cleavage.

In the unmetamorphosed northern part of the area cross-folding is found. Flexure folds with a N.W. trend are superimposed on folds with a N.N.E. trend. In the Upper Palaeozoic sediments such deformations are missing. The Permian and Carboniferous strata show only a slight warping around the granite batholith which was intruded during Jurassic time (Pacific orogeny). A similar warping is found in the large low-angle overthrust, in which Silurian was thrust over Permo-Carboniferous. Consequently this thrust plane is dated as pre-granitic and post Permo-Carboniferous. Contact metamorphism by the granite intrusion has resulted in hornfelses in the Permo-Carboniferous sequence and in the development of oriented minerals, mainly clinozoisite, in the Ordovician-Silurian slates. Knick zones and intense jointing parallel with the mineral orientation (third generation structures) are also a result of the granite intrusion.

The first two generations of folding, which are not present in the Upper Palaeozoic beds, are products of an erogenic phase, “the Langkawi folding phase,” during late Silurian-Devonian time. The lack of Devonian strata in Thailand and the incompleteness of the Devonian sequence in Malaya (recently a few outcrops of probably Middle-Upper Devonian strata are found along the west coast of Malaya) can be an indication that the Langkawi folding phase is not restricted to the Langkawi Islands.
Brachiopod Nomenclature: The Genotype of Spirifer
Authors: Buckman S. S.
Published: May 2009

In this Magazine, August, 1919, p. 371, Dr. J. Allan Thomson has an article on the above subject, in which he appears to be expressing the hope that Spirifer cuspidatus may not be taken as the genotype of Spirifer, though he thinks that certain rules of zoological nomenclature drive him to that conclusion.
Glaciation in South Africa, Australia, and Tasmania
Authors: Dunn E. J.
Published: May 2009

Perusal of Dr. du Toit's masterly and illuminating paper on Carboniferous Glaciation in South Africa suggested that some notes on the early and gradual development of data relating to glaciation in South Africa, Australia, and Tasmania by the writer might not be out of place.
Some Problems of Classification in the Canadian Pre-Cambrian Shield.
Authors: Wilson M. E.
Published: May 2009

The region lying along the southern border of the Canadian Shield, the St. Lawrence basin, to which by far the greater part of the field work so far performed in this vast area has been confined, is divided into four geographically separate sub-provinces, in each of which the succession of formations is so different that few positive correlations of either formations or unconformities in different sub-provinces can be made. It is probable, however, that all geologists familiar with this region are agreed that there is a palaeoplain at the base of the Huronian that originally at least extended over the southern part of the Canadian Shield. If the existence of this palaeoplain be assumed as established then there are two major problems in Pre-Cambrian classification in this region that remain unsolved: (1) What is the position of the pre-Huronian palaeoplain in the succession of formations present in the sub-province north-west of Lake Superior and in the Grenville sub-province? and (2) is there a second erosion plain within the pre-Huronian complex, and, if so, can it be used satisfactorily for the classification of the pre-Huronian into two major divisions equivalent in rank to the Huronian?

The purpose of this paper has been to point out (1) that there is no present agreement regarding the solution of either of these problems; (2) that the existence of a widespread unconformity within the pre-Huronian complex of the St. Lawrence province is, as yet, only a hypothesis, and (3) that there are only two logical courses to be followed in the classification of the Pre-Cambrian formations of the Canadian Shield, either to adopt the dual classification or to use it tentatively in the manner indicated in the accompanying table, until the existence of the second widespread unconformity is established or disproved. It may be suggested, however, that since considerable difficulty is being encountered in applying the dual classification even within the St. Lawrence province, it may be more practical to adopt the dual classification for the major divisions of the Pre-Cambrian notwithstanding the possible presence of an unconformity within the pre-Huronian complex.

In conclusion the writer wishes to express his indebtedness to his colleagues of the Geological Survey of Canada, W. H. Collins, F. J. Alcock, T. L. Tanton, and J. F. Wright, for criticism of the columns in the table of formations having reference to the different sub-provinces with which they are especially familiar.
Mountain and Island Arcs
Authors: Lake Philip
Published: May 2009

In a recent number of the Records of the Geological Survey of India, vol. lxii, p. 410, Dr. Fermor has done me the honour to draw attention to a paper of mine (Geological Magazine, 1903, p. 305) in which I came to the conclusion that the thrust-plane at the base of the Himalayas must have, at its outcrop, a dip of about 14°; and he points out that this estimate agrees with the observations of Mr. Middlemiss in Jammu Province. My estimate was based upon a simple geometrical deduction which proceeds directly and inevitably from the assumption that the Himalayas rest upon a plane thrust-surface.
I.—Notes on Earthquakes
Authors: Prestwich Joseph
Published: May 2009

Sir,—I beg to send you a notice, seemingly made with much care, respecting the origin and occurrences of earthquakes in England, which I find among some MSS. of an ancestor of mine, who, towards the end of last century, was an active Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries. It is curious as a record of the crude notions on volcanic phenomena prevalent to so near our times, and may be of some interest as a list—albeit imperfeot—of the numerous earthquakes noted in a country where earthquake-movements are exceptional occurrences, and as a record of some peculiar phenomena which, notwithstanding the quaint and pretentious narration, have considerable geological interest. According to this record, the earthquakes were distributed as under by centuries and seasons.
III.—On the Evidences of Recent Changes of Level in the Mediterranean Coast-Line
Authors: Maw George
Published: May 2009

There is, perhaps, no question of greater interest in the whole A range of physical geography than the circumstances that have determined the existence on the earth's surface of large and comparatively unbroken areas of land and water, involving as it does the debateable subject of marine and sub-aerial denudation, and the careful weighing of evidence on the just apportionment of these operations and of oscillations of level that have brought about the existing boundaries of sea and land.
I. Notes on the Shape and Structure of some Parts of the Alps, with Reference to Denudation
Authors: Ruskin John
Published: May 2009

It is often said that controversies advance science. I believe, on the contrary, that they retard it—that they are wholly mischievous, and that all good scientific work is done in silence, till done completely. For party in politics, there are some conceivable, though no tenable, reasons; but scientific controversy in its origin must be always either an effort to obscure a discovery not yet distinctly established: and it seems to me there are but two courses for a man of sense respecting disputed statements;—if the matter of them be indeed doubtful, to work at it, and put questions about it, but not argue about it; so the thing will come out in its own time, or, if it stays in, will be no stumbling-block; but if the matter of them be not doubtful, to describe the facts which prove it, and leave them for what they are worth.
I.—Contributions to the Palæontology of the Yorkshire Oolites
Authors: Hudleston Wilfrid H.
Published: May 2009

The group of shells figured on Plate VIII. (excepting Fig. 12, whose position is doubtful) constitute a natural section of turbinate or trochiform species, which should be classed under one and the same genus, or at most only separated subgenerically. They are characterized, for the most part, by a conical spire, having a rather wide angle; are few whorled, separated by a widish suture, and imperforate. The sculpture is rich, consisting of spiral bands of more or less prominence, which sometimes constitute varices, single or double, as the case may be. These spiral bands are usually granulated or tuberculated, and are continued into the base of the shell, which is convex and much produced. Between these spiral bands is a fine system of axial (radial) lines or striæ, sometimes bifid, and probably forming crenulations in connection with the more prominent spiral ornaments.