bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabricating pH‐Stable and Swellable Very Thin Hyperbranched Poly(ethylene imine)–Oligosaccharide Films Fabricated Without Precoating: First View on Protein Adsorption
Authors: Warenda Monika , Richter Anne , Schmidt Diana , Janke Andreas , Müller Martin , Simon Frank , Zimmermann Ralf , Eichhorn Klaus‐Jochen , Voit Brigitte , Appelhans Dietmar
Published: July 2012

For using successful (ultra)thin dendritic macromolecule films in (bio)sensing and microfluidic devices and for obtaining reproducible film properties, alteration effects arising from precoatings have to be avoided. Here, oligosaccharide‐modified hyperbranched poly(ethylene imine)s (PEI‐OS) were used to fabricate very thin PEI‐OS films (15–20 nm in dry state), cross‐linked with citric acid under condensation, and vacuum condition. However, no reactive precoating is necessary to obtain stable films, which allows very simple film preparation and avoids alteration of the PEIS‐OS film properties arising from precoating. Several methods [(in situ) ellipsometry, AFM, XPS, (in situ) ATR‐IR, streaming potential measurements] were applied to characterize homogeneity, surface morphology, and stability of these PEI‐OS films between pH 2 and pH 10, but also the low protein adsorption behavior.
Existence of bounds for dark solitons in a class of nonlinear Schrödinger equations: explicit upper and lower bounds
Authors: Belmonte‐Beitia J.
Published: July 2012

The dark soliton solutions corresponds to certain heteroclinic orbits for related autonomous planar differential equations. In this paper, we give a proof of the existence of upper and lower bounds of these heteroclinic orbits and find these bounds of explicit form. We put it into practice for a particular case of the derivative nonlinear Schrödinger equation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A brief observational instrument for the assessment of infant home environment: development and psychometric testing
Authors: Rijlaarsdam Jolien , Stevens Gonneke W.J.M. , van der Ende Jan , Arends Lidia R. , Hofman Albert , Jaddoe Vincent W.V. , Mackenbach Johan P. , Verhulst Frank C. , Tiemeier Henning
Published: July 2012

The present paper reports on the development and the psychometric properties of a brief observational assessment of home environments for use in large‐scale investigations with young infants. We generated observational items conceptually relevant for child development by two methods. First, we adapted the Infant Toddler Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment (IT‐HOME) inventory for use in an exclusively observational context. Second, we added new observational items following a review of relevant literature and consulting professionals. The quality of the instrument was first evaluated in a pilot study (n = 926). In our study sample of 3406 families and their children (median age = 3.1 months, range = 1.6–6.0), exploratory factor analysis was used to identify latent constructs, Cronbach's alpha was used as a measure of internal consistency, and convergent validity was evaluated against family socio‐demographic characteristics. Inter‐observer agreement was investigated in a sub‐sample of the respondents (n = 124). The results supported good psychometric properties of the instrument based on: (a) exploratory factor analysis yielding three meaningful latent constructs, (b) Cronbach's alphas ranging from α = 0.66 to α = 0.90, (c) inter‐observer agreement ranging from r = 0.75 to r = 0.91, and (d) associations between the instrument and socio‐demographic characteristics in the expected direction [e.g. Odds Ratio for low income = 15.24, 95% confidence interval (11.60, 20.01)]. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Graft Copolymerization of Styrene and Acrylonitrile in the Presence of Poly(propylene glycol): Particle Growth
Authors: Li Li , Wu Linbo , Bu Zhiyang , Gong Cheng , Li Bo‐Geng , Hungenberg Klaus‐Dieter
Published: July 2012

The particle growth in the graft free‐radical copolymerization of styrene (St) and acrylonitrile (AN) in the presence of poly(propylene glycol) is investigated by experiments and modeling. The concentrations of chain transfer agent and macromer, and the St/AN ratio play important roles in particle size and its distribution. A particle size model is developed and an analytic expression for the particle size in terms of monomer mass concentration (Wmt0), initiator molar concentration ([I]0), and macromer mass concentration (WM0) is derived. The particle size is described experimentally as: $W_{{\rm mt}0}^{0.58} \;W_{{\rm M}0}^{- 0.65} \;[{\rm I}]_{0}^{- 0.06} $. Particle growth processes under various experimental conditions are well described by the model.

magnified image
In vivo MRI visualization of different cell populations labeled with PARACEST agents
Authors: Ferrauto Giuseppe , Castelli Daniela Delli , Terreno Enzo , Aime Silvio
Published: July 2012

Conventional T1‐ or T2‐MRI contrast agents do not allow to track the distribution of different cell populations simultaneously because the effects of relaxation enhancers are additive. Herein, it is shown that paramagnetic chemical exchange saturation transfer agents offer the opportunity to visualize different cell populations in vitro and in vivo by 1H‐MRI. Yb‐ and Eu‐HPDO3A complexes have been used to label murine macrophages (J774.A1) and melanoma cells (B16‐F10), respectively. By selective irradiation of the highly‐shifted OH resonances of the two chemical exchange saturation transfer agents, it has been shown that tracking of the two cell types is possible. These PARAmagnetic Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer agents have a tremendous potential for clinical translation as they share the same stability and in vivo pharmacokinetic properties of Gd‐HPDO3A (ProHance®), which is a widely used clinically approved MRI agent. Magn Reson Med, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Accelerated fluorine‐19 MRI cell tracking using compressed sensing
Authors: Zhong Jia , Mills Parker H. , Hitchens T. Kevin , Ahrens Eric T.
Published: July 2012

Cell tracking using perfluorocarbon labels and fluorine‐19 (19F) MRI is a noninvasive approach to visualize and quantify cell populations in vivo. In this study, we investigated three‐dimensional compressed sensing methods to accelerate 19F MRI data acquisition for cell tracking and evaluate the impact of acceleration on 19F signal quantification. We show that a greater than 8‐fold reduction in imaging time was feasible without pronounced image degradation and with minimal impact on the image signal‐to‐noise ratio and 19F quantification accuracy. In 19F phantom studies, we show that apparent feature topology is maintained with compressed sensing reconstruction, and false positive signals do not appear in areas devoid of fluorine. We apply the three‐dimensional compressed sensing 19F MRI methods to quantify the macrophage burden in a localized wounding‐inflammation mouse model in vivo; at 8‐fold image acceleration, the 19F signal distribution was accurately reproduced, with no loss in signal‐to‐noise ratio. Our results demonstrate that three‐dimensional compressed sensing methods have potential for advancing in vivo 19F cell tracking for a wide range of preclinical and translational applications. Magn Reson Med, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Detection of rapidly exchanging compounds using on‐resonance frequency‐labeled exchange (FLEX) transfer
Authors: Yadav Nirbhay N. , Jones Craig K. , Xu Jiadi , Bar‐Shir Amnon , Gilad Assaf A. , McMahon Michael T. , van Zijl Peter C. M.
Published: July 2012

Frequency‐labeled exchange transfer is a promising MRI technique for labeling and detecting exchanging protons of low‐concentration solutes through the water signal. Early frequency‐labeled exchange studies have used off‐resonance excitation‐based labeling schemes that are well suited to study rapidly exchanging protons or molecules far from the water resonance (e.g., water in paramagnetic contrast agents) or slowly exchanging protons close to the water resonance (e.g., some amide protons). However, off‐resonance labeling is not efficient for rapidly exchanging protons close to water. Here, we show that a new frequency‐labeled exchange labeling scheme with excitation pulses applied on the water resonance gives much higher exchange contrast for rapidly exchanging protons resonating close to the water resonance frequency. This labeling scheme is particularly suited for studying rapidly exchanging hydroxyl, amine, and imino protons in diamagnetic chemical exchange saturation transfer agents. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A marginal level of dystrophin partially ameliorates hindlimb muscle passive mechanical properties in dystrophin‐null mice
Authors: Hakim Chady H. , Duan Dongsheng
Published: July 2012

Introduction: The goal of this study was to determine whether a minimal level of dystrophin expression improves the passive mechanical properties of skeletal muscle in the murine Duchenne muscular dystrophy model. Methods: We compared the elastic and viscous properties of the extensor digitorum longus muscle (EDL) in mdx3cv and mdx4cv mice at 6, 14, and 20 months of age. Both strains are on the C57Bl/6 background, and both lose the full‐length dystrophin protein. Interestingly, mdx3cv mice express a near full‐length dystrophin at ∽5% of the normal level. Results: We found that the stress–strain profile and the stress relaxation rate of the EDL in mdx3cv mice were partially preserved in all age groups compared with age‐matched mdx4cv mice. Conclusion: Our results suggest that a low level of dystrophin expression may treat muscle stiffness in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Muscle Nerve, 2012
A new staggered scheme for fluid–structure interaction
Authors: Dettmer Wulf G. , Perić Djordje
Published: July 2012

Staggered solution procedures represent the most elementary computational strategy for the simulation of fluid–structure interaction problems. They usually consist of a predictor followed by the separate execution of each subdomain solver. Although it is generally possible to maintain the desired order of accuracy of the time integration, it is difficult to guarantee the stability of the overall computation. In the context of large solid over fluid mass ratios, compressible flows and explicit subsolvers, substantial development has been carried out by Felippa, Park, Farhat, Löhner and others. In this work, a new staggered scheme is presented. It is shown that, for a linear model problem, the scheme is second‐order accurate and unconditionally stable. The dependency of the leading truncation error on the solid over fluid mass ratio is investigated. The strategy is applied to two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional fluid–structure interaction problems. It is shown that the conclusions derived from the investigation of the model problem apply. The new strategy extends the applicability of staggered schemes to problems involving relatively small solid over fluid mass ratios and incompressible fluid flow. It is suggested that the proposed scheme has the same range of applicability as the Dirichlet–Neumann or block Gauß–Seidel type strategies. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
FLYING BLIND? EVIDENCE FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE PUBLIC MANAGEMENT REFORM AGENDAS, IMPLEMENTATION AND OUTCOMES IN LOW INCOME COUNTRIES
Authors: Goldfinch Shaun , DeRouen Karl , Pospieszna Paulina
Published: July 2012

Although considerable resources and attention have been allocated to recent ‘good governance’ public management reform in low income and fragile states, there is little evidence as to what degree this agenda has been implemented nor as to whether it has led to improved services and outcomes for populations. To address this lacuna, we conduct a review of the large but almost entirely qualitative literature on good governance reform in the 49 countries classed as low income by the United Nations. We find only a small number of documents that link good governance public sector reform agendas with implementation. Fewer still assess outcome. We conduct an empirical analysis of the relationship between reform agenda (using data from the literature review), implementation, service delivery and outcomes, as measured by performance on Millennium Development Goals indicators. We report that there is little, if any, empirical evidence that reform enhances service delivery. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synaptic defects in type I spinal muscular atrophy in human development
Authors: Martínez‐Hernández Rebeca , Bernal Sara , Also‐Rallo Eva , Alías Laura , Barceló MaJesús , Hereu Marta , Esquerda Josep E , Tizzano Eduardo F
Published: July 2012

Childhood spinal muscular atrophy is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disorder caused by alterations in the Survival Motor Neuron 1 gene that triggers degeneration of motor neurons within the spinal cord. Spinal muscular atrophy is the second most common severe hereditary disease of infancy and early childhood. In the most severe cases (type I), the disease appears in the first months of life, suggesting defects in fetal development. However, it is not yet known how motor neurons, neuromuscular junctions, and muscle interact in the neuropathology of the disease. We report the structure of presynaptic and postsynaptic apparatus of the neuromuscular junctions in control and spinal muscular atrophy prenatal and postnatal human samples. Qualitative and quantitative data from confocal and electron microscopy studies revealed changes in acetylcholine receptor clustering, abnormal preterminal accumulation of vesicles, and aberrant ultrastructure of nerve terminals in the motor endplates of prenatal type I spinal muscular atrophy samples. Fetuses predicted to develop milder type II disease had a similar appearance to controls. Postnatal muscle of type I spinal muscular atrophy patients showed persistence of the fetal subunit of acetylcholine receptors, suggesting a delay in maturation of neuromuscular junctions. We observed that pathology in the severe form of the disease starts in fetal development and that a defect in maintaining the initial innervation is an early finding of neuromuscular dysfunction. These results will improve our understanding of the spinal muscular atrophy pathogenesis and help to define targets for possible presymptomatic therapy for this disease. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) inhibits plasma cell/stromal cell cross‐talk in the bone marrow of multiple myeloma patients
Authors: Basile Antonio , Moschetta Michele , Ditonno Paolo , Ria Roberto , Marech Ilaria , De Luisi Annunziata , Berardi Simona , Frassanito Maria Antonia , Angelucci Emanuele , Derudas Daniele , Specchia Giorgina , Curci Paola , Pavone Vincenzo , Rossini Bernardo , Ribatti Domenico , Bottazzi Barbara , Mantovani Alberto , Presta Marco , Dammacco Franco , Vacca Angelo
Published: July 2012

Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is a soluble pattern recognition receptor that binds with high affinity and selectivity to fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF2), thus inhibiting its pro‐angiogenic activity. Here we investigated the effects of PTX3 on monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and multiple myeloma (MM) patient‐derived bone marrow (BM) plasma cells (PCs), endothelial cells (ECs), and fibroblasts (FBs), and assessed whether PTX3 can modulate the cross‐talk between PCs and those microenvironment cells. PTX3 and FGF2 expression was evaluated by ELISA. Functional studies, including cell viability, wound healing, chemotaxis, and Matrigel® assays, were performed on MGUS and MM ECs and FBs upon the PTX3 treatment. Through western blot PTX3‐induced modulation in FGF2/FGF receptor signalling pathways was evaluated in MGUS and MM ECs and FBs through western blot. Co‐cultures between MM ECs/FBs and human PC lines were used to evaluate possible PTX3 indirect effects on MM PCs. Adhesion molecules were studied by flow cytometry. PTX3 provides a direct time‐ and dose‐dependent apoptotic effect on MM ECs and FBs, but not on either MM primary PCs or human PC lines. PTX3 inhibits migration of MM ECs and FBs in a dose‐dependent manner, and impacts in vitro and in vivo FGF2‐mediated MM angiogenesis. Co‐cultures of PCs and ECs/FBs show that PTX3 treatment indirectly impairs PC viability and adhesion. We conclude that PTX3 is an anti‐angiogenic factor in MM and behaves as a cytotoxic molecule on MM cells by inhibiting the cross‐talk between PCs and ECs/FBs. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patients’ motives for participating in active post‐marketing surveillance
Authors: Härmark Linda , Lie‐Kwie Miguel , Berm Lisette , de Gier Han , van Grootheest Kees
Published: July 2012

Purpose

Web‐based intensive monitoring is a method to actively collect information about adverse drug reactions (ADRs) using patients as a source of information. To date, little is known about patients’ motivation to participate in this kind of active post‐marketing surveillance (PMS). Increased insight in this matter can help us to better understand and interpret patient reported information, and it can be used for developing and improving patient‐based pharmacovigilance tools. The aim of this study is to gain insight into patients’ motives for participating in active PMS and investigate their experiences with such a system.

Method

A mixed model approach combining qualitative and quantitative research methods was used. For both parts, patients participating in a web‐based intensive monitoring study about the safety of anti‐diabetic drugs (excluding insulins) were used. A questionnaire was developed based on the results from qualitative interviews. The data collected through the questionnaires was analysed with descriptive statistics. Relations between patient characteristics and motives were analysed using a t‐test or a Chi‐squared test.

Results

1332 (54.6%) patients responded to the questionnaire. The main motive for participation was altruism. Often experiencing ADRs or negative experiences with drugs were not important motives. The patient's gender played a role in the different motives for participation. For men, potential future personal benefit from the results was more important than for women. The overall opinion about the system was positive.

Conclusion

The knowledge that patients participate in this kind of research from an altruistic point of view may strengthen patient involvement in pharmacovigilance. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rheological study of gel phenomena during epoxide network formation in the presence of sepiolite
Authors: Nohales Andrés , López Daniel , Culebras Mario , Gómez Clara M
Published: July 2012

The dynamic behaviour during the crosslinking of an epoxy polymer near the gel point was monitored using rheological multiple frequency experiments. The influence of a needle‐shaped inorganic nanofiller, sepiolite, either non‐modified or organically surface modified during the cure process in the presence of an aliphatic and an aromatic hardener was investigated. The validity of various criteria for determining the gel point was examined for the crosslinking of these filled thermosets. The Winter–Chambon criterion at the gel point is obeyed by the unfilled and by the non‐modified sepiolite‐filled epoxy matrix with either of the two hardeners. However, physical gels are formed in the presence of the organically modified sepiolite and the Winter–Chambon criterion is not valid. For all the systems investigated, the nanofiller reduces the time to reach gelation. Critical relaxation exponents and gel strength have been determined indicating a more elastic and stronger gel in the presence of the aliphatic hardener. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Non‐suicidal self‐injury: The contribution of general personality functioning
Authors: Mullins‐Sweatt Stephanie N. , Lengel Gregory J. , Grant Demond M.
Published: July 2012

Non‐suicidal self‐injury (NSSI) is a public health problem of increasing significance. The purpose of the present study was to determine if individuals with and without a history of NSSI would differ significantly on the domains and facets of the Five Factor Model (FFM) as well as the facets from the UPPS‐P Impulsive Behaviour Scale. Self‐report measures of personality, borderline personality disorder and NSSI were administered to an undergraduate sample (n = 211). Individuals who had engaged in NSSI had significantly elevated levels of FFM facets of neuroticism (i.e. anxiousness, angry hostility, depressiveness, self‐consciousness, impulsiveness and vulnerability) and openness (i.e. aesthetics, feelings and values) and significantly lower levels of conscientiousness (i.e. order, achievement, self‐discipline and deliberation). Additionally, those with an NSSI history scored higher on UPPS‐P negative urgency, lack of premeditation and lack of perseverance. The knowledge gained from this study provides further support for personality's role in NSSI. This information may aid in the identification of risk factors for NSSI and assist in efforts examining interventions for NSSI that are targeted toward personality‐relevant strategies. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predicting the direction of nucleophilic attack in vinyl halides: halogenophilic versus carbophilic reactivity of metal carbonyl anions
Authors: Sazonov Petr K. , Oprunenko Yuri F. , Beletskaya Irina P.
Published: July 2012

Transition metal carbonyl anions ([M(CO)nL]‐, L=CO, Cp) were previously shown to react with activated vinyl halides (VinHal) via two distinct mechanistic pathways: ‘carbophilic’ addition–elimination substitution (AdNE) and halogenophilic mechanism. Such competition between attack at carbon and halogenophilic attack is relevant for many other reactions of soft nucleophiles with aryl, vinyl, and alkyl halides. As descriptors of the experimentally observed reaction pathway, various quantum‐chemical parameters (π* and σ*C‐Hal molecular orbital and reaction energies, Fukui coefficients ) and their combinations were examined. Correlation of the computational parameters with the kinetic data allowed to develop separate models for VinHal reactivity in AdNE and halogenophilic reactions, and to predict the direction of [M(CO)nL]‐ attack for the whole set of VinHal with reasonable accuracy. The lg(k) of ‘carbophilic’ AdNE reactions were found to roughly correlate with π* lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energies, but a three‐parameter model was required for a more accurate description. The lg(k) of halogenophilic reactions does not correlate with the energy of the corresponding σ*C–Hal molecular orbital, but is well described by a linear combination of density functional theory energies of Hal+ abstraction from VinHal and Hal+ affinity of [M(CO)nL]–. The developed approach can be also used to create a semiquantitative dual electrophilicity scale of vinyl halides (at carbon and at halogen) including the cases, when one of the reaction pathways is experimentally unobservable, because of the much higher rate of competing process. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Health Outcomes can be Improved by Implementing an Occupational Physiotherapy Provider Programme
Authors: Pizzari Tania , Davidson Megan
Published: July 2012

Purpose

To evaluate the return to work and health outcomes of a physiotherapy network provider programme.

Method

A prospective case–control study was conducted with 21 clients of network occupational physiotherapy (OP) providers and 21 matched clients of non‐network providers.

Outcome measures

Health outcomes and return to work were recorded 3 and 6 months following the commencement of physiotherapy. Health outcomes included the Short Form (SF)‐12, return to usual activities and the global perceived effect of treatment. Within‐group changes and between‐group differences were analysed.

Results

Within‐group changes showed the OP group improved significantly in physical functioning (p = 0.006), and the control group deteriorated in mental health status (p = 0.016) as measured by the SF‐12. Mean change over time between groups from the 3‐month to 6‐month follow‐ups showed a significant difference favouring the OP group for return to usual activities (p = 0.027) and the physical component of the SF‐12 (p = 0.009). All job‐attached participants returned to work following their accident, so there was no difference between the groups.

Conclusion

The OP clients demonstrated a greater change in physical functioning health outcomes over time. This study provides preliminary support for the implementation of the OP scheme. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Freestanding CVD boron doped diamond single crystals: A substrate for vertical power electronic devices?
Authors: Achard J. , Issaoui R. , Tallaire A. , Silva F. , Barjon J. , Jomard F. , Gicquel A.
Published: July 2012

The development of ‘all‐diamond’ devices for power electronics is attracting more and more interest as judged by the recent increase in the number of publications on the subject. Nevertheless most devices reported in the literature used coplanar or pseudo‐vertical geometries which, although promising in term of breakdown voltage, have still a relatively high on‐state resistance. This could be related to current crowding due the low cross‐section p+ layer. Vertical configuration, which requires thick heavily doped substrates, is a possible alternative usually used in conventional semiconductors. In this study, chemical vapour deposition (CVD) diamond growth conditions allowing heavy boron doping over an important thickness are discussed. It was found that there is an optimal range of microwave power density (MWPD) for which reasonable doping efficiencies and growth rates can be obtained leading to hundreds of micrometers thick crystals with a doping level higher than 1020 cm−3. The crystal morphology was predicted thanks to a 3D geometrical model and a small addition of oxygen to the gas phase was efficient to avoid the appearance of undesirable crystals faces and keep the crystal integrity. Freestanding boron‐doped diamond single crystals were eventually grown and characterized by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), Fourier transformed InfraRed (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, high resolution X‐ray diffraction (HRXRD) and four‐point probe measurements. The high quality of the synthetic crystals was confirmed exhibiting electrical resistivities as low as 0.26 Ω cm illustrating that this material is suitable for the development of vertical power electronic devices.
Direct nanopatterning of commercially pure titanium with ultra‐nanocrystalline diamond stamps
Authors: Greer A. I. M. , Seunarine K. , Khokhar A. Z. , Li X. , Moran D. A. J. , Gadegaard N.
Published: July 2012

In order to directly imprint features into a hard metal such as titanium, an imprinting stamp composed of material of greater hardness is required. Diamond is the hardest known material, so is an obvious choice for the production of direct‐imprint stamps. Diamond also benefits from a low surface energy, chemical inertness, high resistance to wear and is easily cleaned of contaminants, further favouring it as a stamp material of choice. Chemical vapour deposited ultra‐nanocrystalline diamond (UNCD) provides similar mechanical properties to bulk single crystal diamond and can be deposited across large surface areas. This work examines the use of UNCD as a stamp medium for the transfer of nanoscale features into commercially pure titanium (cpTi) substrates. Development of an efficient and viable method for nanopatterning large, non‐planar cpTi surfaces is highly desirable to control cell adhesion on the surface of bio‐implants. The fabrication of UNCD nanoimprint stamps is detailed and the ability of UNCD to imprint cpTi is illustrated. A square‐ordered matrix of 200 nm diameter pillars over a quarter mm square area are shown to be imprinted with the depth quantified against load (kg). The limitations of the technology are also discussed.
Performance and geometry optimization of the ceramic‐based rectilinear ion traps
Authors: Wang Liang , Xu Fuxing , Ding Chuan‐Fan
Published: July 2012

RATIONALE

The rectilinear ion trap (RIT), as a simplified linear ion trap, has shown great potential in the field of portable mass spectrometers for its simple structure and easy manufacture. In this study, the new ceramic‐based rectilinear ion trap (cRIT) was constructed, and the performance and geometry optimization of a series of cRITs were examined.

METHODS

Gold‐plated zirconia ceramic electrodes were used to build the cRITs. A home‐built electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) platform was used to test the properties of the cRITs. The protonated ions of arginine (m/z 175) and reserpine (m/z 609) were produced in the experiments by ESI.

RESULTS

A series of cRITs with different geometries were constructed, and the overall mechanical accuracy of all parts and the cRIT assembly is within ~10 µm. The mass resolution, the first stability diagram and the tandem mass (MS/MS) analysis capability were tested. For a 6 mm × 5 mm cRIT, the mass resolution was higher than 1800 at m/z 609 when the scan speed was 2190 Th/s. A MS/MS capability with a ca. 94.8% CID efficiency on the cRIT 6 × 5 was obtained.

CONCLUSIONS

The ceramic‐based rectilinear ion trap (cRIT) can be a qualified linear ion trap mass analyzer with high ion storage capability, excellent mass resolution, and high tandem mass analysis efficiency. It can be easily manufactured and operated, and has great potential in ion trap mass spectrometry. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Motion planning and synchronized control of the dental arch generator of the tooth‐arrangement robot
Authors: Jiang Jin‐Gang , Zhang Yong‐De
Published: July 2012

Background

The traditional, manual method of reproducing the dental arch form is prone to numerous random errors caused by human factors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the automatic acquisition of the dental arch and implement the motion planning and synchronized control of the dental arch generator of the multi‐manipulator tooth‐arrangement robot for use in full denture manufacture.

Methods

First, the mathematical model of the dental arch generator was derived. Then the kinematics and control point position of the dental arch generator of the tooth arrangement robot were calculated and motion planning of each control point was analysed. A hardware control scheme is presented, based on the industrial personal computer and control card PC6401. In order to gain single‐axis, precise control of the dental arch generator, we studied the control pulse realization of high‐resolution timing. Real‐time, closed‐loop, synchronous control was applied to the dental arch generator. Experimental control of the dental arch generator and preliminary tooth arrangement were gained by using the multi‐manipulator tooth‐arrangement robotic system.

Results

The dental arch generator can automatically generate a dental arch to fit a patient according to the patient's arch parameters. Repeated positioning accuracy is 0.12 mm for the slipways that drive the dental arch generator. The maximum value of single‐point error is 1.83 mm, while the arc‐width direction (x axis) is −33.29 mm.

Conclusion

A novel system that generates the dental arch has been developed. The traditional method of manually determining the dental arch may soon be replaced by a robot to assist in generating a more individual dental arch. The system can be used to fabricate full dentures and bend orthodontic wires. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
When does the K4‐free process stop?
Authors: Warnke Lutz
Published: July 2012

The K4‐free process starts with the empty graph on n vertices and at each step adds a new edge chosen uniformly at random from all remaining edges that do not complete a copy of K4. Let G be the random maximal K4‐free graph obtained at the end of the process. We show that for some positive constant C, with high probability as , the maximum degree in G is at most . This resolves a conjecture of Bohman and Keevash for the K4‐free process and improves on previous bounds obtained by Bollobás and Riordan and by Osthus and Taraz. Combined with results of Bohman and Keevash this shows that with high probability G has edges and is ‘nearly regular’, i.e., every vertex has degree . This answers a question of Erdős, Suen and Winkler for the K4‐free process. We furthermore deduce an additional structural property: we show that whp the independence number of G is at least , which matches an upper bound obtained by Bohman up to a factor of . Our analysis of the K4‐free process also yields a new result in Ramsey theory: for a special case of a well‐studied function introduced by Erdős and Rogers we slightly improve the best known upper bound.Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 44, 355‐397, 2014
A randomized version of Ramsey's theorem
Authors: Gugelmann Luca , Person Yury , Steger Angelika , Thomas Henning
Published: July 2012

The standard randomization of Ramsey's theorem asks for a fixed graph F and a fixed number r of colors: for what densities p = p(n) can we asymptotically almost surely color the edges of the random graph G(n, p) with r colors without creating a monochromatic copy of F. This question was solved in full generality by Rödl and Ruciński [Combinatorics, Paul Erdős is eighty, vol. 1, 1993, 317–346; J Am Math Soc 8(1995), 917–942]. In this paper we consider a different randomization that was recently suggested by Allen et al. [Random Struct Algorithms, in press]. Let
\documentclass{article} \usepackage{amsmath,amsfonts} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document}${{\mathcal R}_F(n,q)}$\end{document}
be a random subset of all copies of F on a vertex set Vn of size n, in which every copy is present independently with probability q. For which functions q = q(n) can we color the edges of the complete graph on Vn with r colors such that no monochromatic copy of F is contained in
\documentclass{article} \usepackage{amsmath,amsfonts} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document}${{\mathcal R}_F(n,q)}$\end{document}
? We answer this question for strictly 2‐balanced graphs F. Moreover, we combine bsts an r‐edge‐coloring of G(n, p)oth randomizations and prove a threshold result for the property that there exi such that no monochromatic copy of F is contained in
\documentclass{article} \usepackage{amsmath,amsfonts} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document}${{\mathcal R}_F(n,q)}$\end{document}. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2012
Prenatal nicotine exposure alters neuroanatomical organization of the developing brain
Authors: Muhammad Arif , Mychasiuk Richelle , Nakahashi Ayuno , Hossain S. Russell , Gibb Robbin , Kolb Bryan
Published: July 2012

Although there has been considerable research conducted regarding the long‐term effects of prenatal exposure to nicotine, there has been little examination of how this experience influences brain development. This study was designed to examine if there are morphological changes (dendritic branching, dendritic length, and spine density) in medial prefrontal cortex, orbital frontal cortex, parietal cortex, and nucleus accumbens associated with exposure to nicotine during gestation. Nicotine or saline was administered to pregnant Long Evans dams for the duration of pregnancy. Golgi‐Cox techniques were used to examine neuroanatomy of offspring at postnatal day 21. The dendritic changes identified in rats exposed to nicotine prenatally resembled neuroanatomical changes that are identified in rats administered with nicotine in adulthood. Of the 18 anatomical parameters measured, 11 exhibited significant modification, with two parameters apical and basilar spine density in parietal cortex demonstrating sex‐dependent modification. These early changes in anatomy and behavior have important implications for later plasticity and long‐term well‐being. Synapse 66:950–954, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lesson study for accessible science: Building expertise to improve practice in inclusive science classrooms
Authors: Mutch‐Jones Karen , Puttick Gillian , Minner Daphne
Published: July 2012

The Lesson Study for Accessible Science (LSAS) project created middle school teams comprised of both science and special education teachers who engaged in collaborative work to improve instruction in inclusive classrooms. The intervention is based on Lesson Study, a professional development approach that originated in Japan, which supports the systematic examination of practice and student understanding. Using an experimental design, teams of teachers were randomly assigned to the LSAS intervention or to a wait‐list comparison group. The results of this study suggest that science and special educators in the LSAS intervention were able to generate more accommodations for students with learning disabilities, and they increased their ability to set an instructional context and adapt an instructional plan to meet science learning goals for all students in an inclusive classroom. They did not, however, show significant increases in their knowledge of science content or learning disabilities. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 49: 1012–1034, 2012
Effects of dynamic vulcanization on the physical, mechanical, and morphological properties of high‐density polyethylene/(natural rubber)/(thermoplastic tapioca starch) blends
Authors: Abdul Wahab Mohamad Kahar , Ismail Hanafi , Othman Nadras
Published: July 2012

Blending of high density polyethylene (HDPE), natural rubber (NR), and thermoplastic tapioca starch (TPS) have been studied. Two series of samples having 5–30 wt% of TPS were prepared: (a) unvulcanized blends (control) and (b) dynamically vulcanized HDPE/NR/TPS blends. The composition of the HDPE/NR was constant and fixed at a blend ratio of 70/30. Morphology studies by SEM showed that the TPS particles were homogeneously dispersed and well‐embedded in vulcanized HDPE/NR matrix. The SEM micrographs showed agreement with the tensile strength and elongation at break values. Tensile strength improved significanly when the HDPE/NR/TPS blends were vulcanized by using sulfur curative system. The enhancement in tensile properties is attributed to the crosslinking reaction within the NR phase. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 18:192–197, 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Beyond Anecdotes: A Quantitative Examination of Black Women in Academe
Authors: Sharpe Rhonda Vonshay , Swinton Omari H.
Published: July 2012

Using data from the Survey of Earned Doctorates, the Survey of Doctorate Recipients, and the Integrated Postsecondary Educational Data System Completion Survey by Race, this paper provides a quantitative analysis of black woman as they progress through the academy as students, faculty or administrators. This paper will detail the number of bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees awarded to black woman, the colleges and universities that are successful at conferring said degrees, and the professional outcomes of black women employed in academe. We find that black women earn twice as many degrees as black men and that younger black female professors seem to face fewer barriers to success in the academy than their predecessors.
The Debrief Imperative
Authors: Walter Deb
Published: July 2012

The Debrief Imperative. James D. Murphy and William M. Duke, FastPencil PREMIERE, 2011, 110 pages, paperback
When Nurses Hurt Nurses
Authors: Kefer Stephanie Lynn
Published: July 2012

When Nurses Hurt Nurses Cheryl Dellasega 2011, Sigma Theta Tau International 224 pages, softcover
Uphill Grime: Process Improvement in Surgical Instrument Cleaning
Authors: Azizi Jahan , Anderson Susan G. , Murphy Shawn , Pryce Susanne
Published: July 2012

After its investigation of cross‐contamination from arthroscopic shavers, the US Food and Drug Administration issued an alert to hospitals about medical device reprocessing methods. In response to this, a team of risk management and instrument room personnel at a university hospital undertook a project that tested the manufacturer's recommended cleaning methods for surgical instruments with the objective of determining the efficacy of automated instrument reprocessing and identifying a process that would produce a verifiably clean instrument after the cleaning process is performed. The quality improvement project focused on suction tips because they are used in most surgical procedures, are exposed to high levels of organic debris, and are difficult to clean. A variety of suction tips were cleaned and tested with a variety of processes and products to determine best instrument cleaning practices. Results of the project were eye‐opening—debris was found where debris should not be, and the manufacturer's recommended cleaning methods—the current practices—were not effective.
FERM‐containing protein FRMD5 is a p120‐catenin interacting protein that regulates tumor progression
Authors: Wang Tao , Pei Xuelian , Zhan Jun , Hu Jinxia , Yu Yu , Zhang Hongquan
Published: July 2012

FRMD5 and gamma‐catenin colocalize by fluorescence microscopy (View interaction) FRMD5 physically interacts with p120 catenin and E cadherin by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)
Comparative analysis of two glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenases from a thermoacidophilic archaeon, Sulfolobus tokodaii
Authors: Ito Fumiaki , Chishiki Hidehiro , Fushinobu Shinya , Wakagi Takayoshi
Published: July 2012

GAPDH and GAPDH bind by molecular sieving (View interaction) GAPN and GAPN bind by 2.2molecular sieving (View interaction).
Exploring potassium‐dependent GTP hydrolysis in TEES family GTPases
Authors: Rafay Abu , Majumdar Soneya , Prakash Balaji
Published: July 2012

GTPases are important regulatory proteins that hydrolyze GTP to GDP. A novel GTP‐hydrolysis mechanism is employed by MnmE, YqeH and FeoB, where a potassium ion plays a role analogous to the Arginine finger of the Ras‐RasGAP system, to accelerate otherwise slow GTP hydrolysis rates. In these proteins, two conserved asparagines and a ‘K‐loop’ present in switch‐I, were suggested as attributes of GTPases employing a K+‐mediated mechanism. Based on their conservation, a similar mechanism was suggested for TEES family GTPases. Recently, in Dynamin, Fzo1 and RbgA, which also conserve these attributes, a similar mechanism was shown to be operative. Here, we probe K+‐activated GTP hydrolysis in TEES (TrmE‐Era‐EngA‐YihA‐Septin) GTPases – Era, EngB and the two contiguous G‐domains, GD1 and GD2 of YphC (EngA homologue) – and also in HflX, another GTPase that also conserves the same attributes. While GD1‐YphC and Era exhibit a K+‐mediated activation of GTP hydrolysis, surprisingly GD2‐YphC, EngB and HflX do not. Therefore, the attributes identified thus far, do not necessarily predict a K+‐mechanism in GTPases and hence warrant extensive structural investigations.
Extended C‐terminus and length of the linker connecting the G‐domains are species‐specific variations in the EngA family of GTPases
Authors: Tomar Sushil Kumar , Kumar Prashant , Majumdar Soneya , Bhaskar Varun , Dutta Prasun , Prakash Balaji
Published: July 2012

EngA is an essential protein involved in ribosome biogenesis. It is an unique GTPase, possessing two consecutive G‐domains. Using sequence and phylogenetic analysis, we found two intriguing variants among EngA homologues – one with a shorter linker joining the G‐domains and another with a longer linker, which additionally possesses an extended C‐terminus. Interestingly, while the former variant is mainly restricted to firmicutes, the latter is found in nonfirmicutes. Chimeric proteins with interchanged linkers and extensions were generated to gauge the importance of these elements. Ribosome interaction experiments employing the chimeric proteins suggest that a precise combination of the linker and C‐terminal extension are important features regulating EngA ribosome interactions in a variant‐specific manner.
Clearinghouse Membership and Deposit Contraction during the Panic of 1907
Authors: Moen Jon R. , Tallman Ellis W.
Published: July 2012

Was clearinghouse membership a key factor mitigating withdrawls from intermediaries during the Panic of 1907? Analyzing balnace-sheet information on institutions in New York and Chicago, we find ecidence that clearinghouse memebers had institutions in New York and Chicago, we find evidence that clearinghouse members had smaller contractions in demand deposits than did nonmembers. New York City trusts, isolated from the clearinghouse, were subject to heightened perceptions of risk, and suffered large-scale withdrawals because they were outside of the clearinghouse and therefore much less prepared to withstand large-scale depositor runs. We suggest that this aspect of the Panic of 1907 helped to forge support for the creation of a U.S. central bank.
Precambrian and Palaeozoic rocks of the Inner Hebrides
Authors: Anderton R. , Bowes D. R.
Published: July 2012

Synopsis

The Lewisian complex, which forms the continental basement to north-west Scotland, crops out on the Inner Hebridean islands of Rona, Raasay, Skye, Coll, Tiree, Iona and Islay. Upon this basement, four major rock successions were deposited before the Caledonian orogeny. The upper Precambrian Moine assemblage forms only a small area of metamorphosed rocks on Mull but the c. 790 m.y. (million year) old Torridonian sediments are found on Raasay, Scalpay. the Sleat of Skye, Soay and Rhum. The upper Precambrian to Cambrian Dal radian Supergroup dominates Islay, Jura, Gigha and the islands of the Firth of Lome whilst also forming a partial rim around the Tertiary Northern granite in Arran. Other Precambrian rocks of uncertain affinity are found on Islay, Oronsay, Colonsay and Iona. Cambro-Ordovician sediments are found on Skye where they have been partially metamorphosed by Tertiary intrusions.

South-east of the Moine thrust zone, the Precambrian and lower Palaeozoic rocks were deformed and metamorphosed during the late Cambrian to early Devonian Caledonian orogeny which resulted in the development of the Caledonian mountain chain. Subsequently, Scotland north-west of the Highland Boundary fault has tended to persist as a land area undergoing erosion with sedimentation restricted to peripheral areas now preserved around the present coast. Upper Palaeozoic rocks are therefore only well represented on Arran although Old Red Sandstone (Devonian) sediments are found in the Firth of Lome and a very small area of possible Permian rocks occurs on Islay.
Soils of the Inner Hebrides
Authors: Hudson G. , Henderson D. J.
Published: July 2012

Synopsis

The field mapping of the soils of the Inner Hebrides has revealed a range of major soil subgroups including calcareous regosols, brown forest soils, humus-iron podzols, peaty podzols, peaty gleys and peat. The parent materials, plant communities and Land Capability for Agriculture of the soils are described, and the distribution of soils in relation to various factors controlling their formation discussed.
Fungi in the Inner Hebrides
Authors: Dennis R. W. G. , Watling Roy
Published: July 2012

Synopsis

When one speaks of the Inner Hebridean fungi one is referring to the floras of Mull (1,744 spp.) and Rhum (905 spp.) for these are the only islands where the fungi have been seriously studied; only a few collections have been made in Eigg, Coll and Tiree, Raasay and Colonsay while Islay and Jura have been almost entirely neglected by mycologists. Recently attention has been paid to the fungal flora of Skye where over 75 stations have been examined. However, only 6% of the species recorded for VCs 102–104 are not recorded from Mull.