bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A global comparison of Argo and satellite altimetry observations
Authors: Dhomps A. -L. , Guinehut S. , Le Traon P.-Y. , Larnicol G.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. Differences, similarities and complementarities between Sea Level Anomalies (SLA) deduced from altimeter measurements and dynamic height anomalies (DHA) calculated from Argo in situ temperature (T) and salinity (S) profiles are globally analyzed. SLA and DHA agree remarkably well and, compared to previous studies, Argo dataset allows an improvement in the coherence between SLA and DHA. Indeed, Argo data provides a much better spatial coverage of all oceans and particularly the Southern Ocean, the use of an Argo mean dynamic height, the use of measured salinity profiles (versus climatological salinity), and the use of a deeper reference level (1000 m versus 700 m). The large influence of Argo salinity observations on the consistency between altimetry and hydrographic observations is particularly demonstrated with an improvement of 35% (relative to the SLA minus DHA signal) by using measured salinity profiles instead of climatological data. The availability of observations along the Argo float trajectories also provides a means to describe the sea level variability of the global ocean both for the low frequency and the mesoscale part of the circulation. Results indicate that sea level variability is dominated by baroclinic signal at seasonal to inter-annual periods for all latitudes. In the tropics, sea level variability is baroclinic for meso-scale to interannual periods and at high latitudes, sea level variability is barotropic with also deep baroclinic signals (i.e. influence of deep temperature and salinity signals) for intra seasonal and mesoscale periods. These results emphasize the need to separate the different time and space scales in order to improve the merging of the two data sets. The qualitative study of seasonal to interannual SLA minus DHA signals finally reveals signals related to deep ocean circulation variations and basin-scale barotropic signals. Future work is, however, needed to understand the observed differences and relate them to different forcing mechanisms.
Mass balance of the Greenland ice sheet (2003–2008) from ICESat data – the impact of interpolation, sampling and firn density
Authors: Sørensen L. S. , Simonsen S. B. , Nielsen K. , Lucas-Picher P. , Spada G. , Adalgeirsdottir G. , Forsberg R. , Hvidberg C. S.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. ICESat has provided surface elevation measurements of the ice sheets since the launch in January 2003, resulting in a unique dataset for monitoring the changes of the cryosphere. Here, we present a novel method for determining the mass balance of the Greenland ice sheet, derived from ICESat altimetry data. Three different methods for deriving elevation changes from the ICESat altimetry dataset are used. This multi-method approach provides a method to assess the complexity of deriving elevation changes from this dataset. The altimetry alone can not provide an estimate of the mass balance of the Greenland ice sheet. Firn dynamics and surface densities are important factors that contribute to the mass change derived from remote-sensing altimetry. The volume change derived from ICESat data is corrected for changes in firn compaction over the observation period, vertical bedrock movement and an intercampaign elevation bias in the ICESat data. Subsequently, the corrected volume change is converted into mass change by the application of a simple surface density model, in which some of the ice dynamics are accounted for. The firn compaction and density models are driven by the HIRHAM5 regional climate model, forced by the ERA-Interim re-analysis product, at the lateral boundaries. We find annual mass loss estimates of the Greenland ice sheet in the range of 191 ± 23 Gt yr−1 to 240 ± 28 Gt yr−1 for the period October 2003 to March 2008. These results are in good agreement with several other studies of the Greenland ice sheet mass balance, based on different remote-sensing techniques.
Determinants of Access and Equity in Tertiary Education: The Case of Indonesia
Authors: Ogawa Keiichi , Iimura Kosuke
Published: March 2011

How does an individual choose to pursue tertiary education in Indonesia in an era of mass tertiary education? What factors affect this decision? In thisarticle, we analyze the determinants of access to tertiary education in Indonesia from the demand side using household survey data. We also examine theimpact of regional and family background factors on inequity of access to tertiary education. In order to analyze the demand side factors for tertiaryeducation, we use a multi-nominal logit model to examine what factors influence an individual’s decision to pursue a sarjana (bachelor’s) program,diploma program, or work after s/he graduates from high school. The data used is from the fourth Indonesia Family Life Survey (IFLS4) which wasconducted by the RAND Corporation and others between 2007 and 2008. Key findings of the analysis are as follows: (1) the education level of the head ofhousehold and family income per household member have significant positive effects on the choice of pursuing tertiary education; (2) in urban areas, theeducation level of household spouse and students’ test scores in high school are positively significant; (3) living in urban areas per se does not have acorrelation with entry into tertiary education; (4) access to bachelor’s programs for urban residents is most likely affected by the family backgroundfactors; (5) holding everything else constant, the tendency is for females to enroll in diploma programs, but not for bachelor’s programs.
Moving from a Predominantly Teaching Oriented Culture to a Research Productivity Mission: The Case of Mexico and the United States
Authors: Gregorutti Gustavo
Published: March 2011

This study qualitatively analyzes the culture conflicts professors in the United States and Mexico are experiencing with the increasing pressures to produce more research about higher education. The first dataset was collected from 36 faculty members from 12 small and medium sized private, doctorate-granting universities. These universities are located in 11 states across the United States. The remaining data came from 44 faculty members employed at four small and medium sized private, doctoral granting universities in four states across Mexico. Results showed that universities in the US are transitioning from a predominantly teaching college culture to a more research orientation. Although the sampled universities continue to offer established graduate programs, faculty members continue to struggle with their teaching requirements and conflicts research productivity pressures place on their teaching and mentoring time with students. Participating faculty members employed in the US were not evenly interested in research opportunities due to the diverse mission objectives promoted by their respective institutions. On the other hand, faculty members employed in Mexico were generally more concerned with their research productivity and subsequent factors, which negatively impact their research productivity. Mexican faculty members rarely cited conflicts between their institutional missions and teaching objectives. This study is highly relevant to policy makers, higher education administrators, and scholars interested in comparative and international higher education. Administrators can benefit from the findings in this study, which provides faculty members’ perceptions and describes departmental structures and organizational dynamics employed to advance greater research and development opportunities. This study concludes with a discussion on how administrators and faculty members should handle the pressures for research productivity and alternative models of higher education.
Computer Assisted Surgery
Authors: Micali Salvatore
Published: March 2011

The broad range of Computer Assisted Surgery (CAS) represents the integration of computer technology in surgical procedures for presurgical planning, guiding or manipulation. Surgical robots and surgical endoscopic navigation are the most challenging applications to urology. A surgical robot is defined as a computer-controlled manipulator with artificial sensing which can be programmed to move, and position tools to carry out surgical tasks. In urology, robots have been tested in two areas: endourology and laparoscopy

Surgical navigation allows the surgeon to process data from pre- and intraoperative sources, aiming at purification and presentation of the most relevant information. Image-guided systems (IGS), augmented reality (AR) and navigation in endoscopic soft tissue surgery represent the three main topics of surgical urological navigation. IGS involve matching the coordinates from medical imaging (preoperative registration) with coordinates from the patient in the operating room (registration and updating images). IGS have become the standard of care in providing navigational assistance during neurosurgery, offering subsurface and functional information to the surgeon.
Treatment of Severe Post-Prostatectomy Stress Urinary Incontinence Using Advance Sling
Authors: Vella Marco , Romeo Salvatore , Leto Gioacchino , Salamone Costanza , Melloni Darwin
Published: March 2011

Severe stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is usually treated by the implant of artificial sphincter positioned around bulbar urethra. AdVance sling is a functional, non-obstructive, anti-incontinence device that showed good results especially for mild and moderate SUI. We present our experience with AdVance sling in 7 patients with severe SUI unfit for artificial sphincter. Our results, after a follow-up of more than 6 months, showed a continence rate of 28% and an improvement rate of 43%, while 2 patients did not show any benefit. The success of AdVance sling depends on the integrity of urethral sphincter and can be applied also in selected cases for the treatment of severe post-prostatectomy stress urinary incontinence.
Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) in Urologia
Authors: Pini Giovannalberto , Lima Estevao
Published: March 2011

The concept of endoscopie surgery performed through natural orifices - Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) - represents one of the most exciting ideas recently introduced in surgery. The use of natural orifice as a transluminal access to the peritoneal cavity has been shown to be effective and reproducible. After the introduction of the transgastric access (2004), the adaptation of the well-known transvaginal access, looking for ideal and more suitable entrance has led to the development of the transcolonic and transvescical ports. To date, the NOTES technique showed its full potential in experimental models, so as to allow the completion of most of the standard procedures performed in laparoscopic technique and thus opening the door to a new era, considered as “3rd generation surgery”. However, only few experiences have been translated to humans and this concept is still at an early stage of experimental development. Many efforts are still needed to establish the standardization and validation of the techniques, the verification of safety and effectiveness.

This article intends to photograph the actual role of NOTES, reviewing its history, analyzing the potential benefits and drawbacks, browsing and comparing the different transluminal routes, describing the equipment and platforms currently available, and finally to point out the state of the art of NOTES in the urological field.
The Prognostic Value of Hydronephrosis in Bladder Cancer Treated by Radical Cystectomy
Authors: Lin Huan-Yi , Wang Sheng-Zheng , Chen Jun-Xing , Chen Ling-Wu , Xiao Jun
Published: March 2011

Objectives

To valuate the prognostic impact of hydronephrosis in bladder cancer treated by radical cystectomy.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of 126 patients with transitional cell carcinoma of bladder, who underwent radical cystectomy at our hospital from January 2003 through May 2010. The relationship between hydronephrosis, tumor stage, and lymph node status was analyzed. We evaluated the effect of hydronephrosis on the recurrence-free survival of bladder cancer by using log-rank test and multivariate Cox regression analysis.

Results

Thirty-four patients had unilateral hydronephrosis and five patients had bilateral hydronephrosis. There were 59.0% of tumors with stage ≥pT3a, and 30.8% with pT2, 10.2% with pT1 in the Hydronephrosis group respectively compared to 14.9%, 59.8%, and 25.3% in the Non-hydronephrosis group (ΧcH2= 25.680, P<0.001). The 5-year recurrence-free survival rates in the Hydronephrosis group were significantly lower than the Non-hydronephrosis group (42.5±10.3% vs. 68.8±8.1%, P=0.001). When adjusted to the different stages stratum, the recurrence-free survival rates among patients with stage pT1–2pN- or lymph node metastasis did not differ significantly whether they had evidence of preoperative hydronephrosis or not, while they differed significantly in the subgroup of stage ≥pT3a, pN-. Multivariate analysis showed that hydronephrosis was not an independent prognostic factor for recurrence-free survival except pathological stage and lymph node status.

Conclusions

Preoperative hydronephrosis predicts advanced stages in transitional cell carcinoma of bladder and exactly effects the survival mainly in higher stage tumor without metastasis.
Zechariah 8 and its Allusions to Jeremiah 30–33 and Deutero-Isaiah
Authors: Assis Elie
Published: March 2011

This article argues that the first eight oracles in Zechariah 8:2–19 are based on the ideas and vocabulary of Jeremiah 30–33, while the last two oracles, vv 20–23, have no parallel in Jeremiah, but correspond to oracles of the anonymous prophet in Isaiah 40–66. Zechariah selectively used and adapted the material of his predecessors, in order to address the specific social and political reality of his generation. The ways in which this process was carried out are assessed in this article.
Delivering an organizational leadership phD program at a distance: University of Oklahoma
Authors: Rodgers Joseph Lee , Williams T.H. Lee
Published: March 2011

The authors review key features in the development of a successful PhD program delivered at a distance, including students, cohorts, teaching, curriculum, administrative structure, and current and future challenges.
Interdiffusion in Fe/Pt Multilayers: In Situ High Temperature Synchrotron Radiation Reflectivity Study
Authors: Zotov Nikolay , Feydt Jürgen , Savan Alan , Ludwig Alfred , von Borany Johannes
Published: March 2011

Thermal annealing of Fe/Pt multilayers (ML) is reported to reduce significantly the formation temperature of FePt hard magnetic thin films. The transformation mechanisms of [Fe 1.38 nm/Pt 2.24 nm]50 ML, prepared by magnetron sputtering, is investigated in the present communication by high temperature X‐ray reflectivity using synchrotron radiation. Complete degradation of the ML periodic structure is observed at about 610 K. The variation with annealing temperature of the intensity of the first Bragg peak, the correlated vertical roughness, and the lateral correlation length of the ML show that the ML transform in two stages with a cross‐over temperature of about 515 ± 15 K. This behavior cannot be simply explained by the change in the measured interdiffusion coefficient below and above the cross‐over temperature, suggesting the formation of FePt nanograins along the interfaces.
Organocatalyzed Dynamic Kinetic Resolution
Authors: Pellissier Hélène
Published: March 2011

In the last decade, the first examples of organocatalyzed dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) processes have been described, considerably expanding the synthetic scope of this powerful process which allows the resolution of racemic compounds with up to 100% yield. Today, a significant number of chiral organocatalysts are available that afford excellent levels of stereocontrol in various reactions evolving through DKR that could only previously be achieved using biocatalysts. The goal of the present review is to cover the works dealing with organocatalytic reactions evolving through DKR. This review is subdivided into four sections, according to the different types of organocatalysts employed in these reactions, such as Cinchona alkaloid catalysts, catalysts derived from amino acids, hydroxy acid catalysts, and miscellaneous organocatalysts.

Abbreviations: Ac: acetyl; Ar: aryl; BINOL: 1,1′‐bi‐2‐naphthol; Bn: benzyl; Bu: butyl; c: cyclo; Cbz: benzyloxycarbonyl; CPME: cyclopentyl methyl ether; Cy: cyclohexyl; DABCO: 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane; de: diastereomeric excess; DKR: dynamic kinetic resolution; DMF: dimethylformamide; Dmpe: 1,2‐bis(dimethylphosphino)‐ethane; DMSO: dimethyl sulfoxide; DYKAT: dynamic kinetic asymmetric transformation; ee: enantiomeric excess; Et: ethyl; Fmoc: 9‐fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl; Fu: furyl; Me: methyl; MTBE: methyl tert‐butyl ether; Naph: naphthyl; Pent: pentyl; Ph: phenyl; PMP: p‐methoxyphenyl; Pr: propyl; TBHP: tert‐butyl hydroperoxide; TEA: triethylamine; THF: tetrahydrofuran; Thio: thiophene; TMS: trimethylsilyl; Tol: tolyl.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Carbonylative Suzuki Coupling of Benzyl Halides with Potassium Aryltrifluoroborates in Aqueous Media
Authors: Wu Xiao‐Feng , Neumann Helfried , Beller Matthias
Published: March 2011

A general palladium‐catalyzed carbonylative cross‐coupling reaction of benzyl chlorides with potassium aryltrifluoroborates in water has been developed. Applying this improved methodology 16 different 1,2‐diarylethanones have been synthesized in 40–89% yield.
A Crystalline Catalyst Based on a Porous Metal‐Organic Framework and 12‐Tungstosilicic Acid: Particle Size Control by Hydrothermal Synthesis for the Formation of Dimethyl Ether
Authors: Liang Da‐Dong , Liu Shu‐Xia , Ma Feng‐Ji , Wei Feng , Chen Ya‐Guang
Published: March 2011

The strategy for obtaining a crystalline catalyst based on a porous copper‐based metal‐organic framework and 12‐tungstosilicic acid with different particle sizes is reported. Through the control of hydrothermal synthesis and some simple treatments, catalyst samples with average particle diameters of 23, 105, and 450 μm, respectively, were prepared. This crystal catalyst has both the Brønsted acidity of 12‐tungstosilicic acid and the Lewis acidity of the copper‐based metal‐organic framework, and has high density of accessible acid sites. Its catalytic activity was fully assessed in the dehydration of methanol to dimethyl ether. The effect of particle size on the catalytic activity of catalyst was studied, in order to select the particle size appropriate for avoiding the diffusion limitation in heterogeneous gas‐phase catalysis. In the selective dehydration of methanol to dimethyl ether, this catalyst exhibited higher catalytic activity than the copper‐based metal‐organic framework, γ‐alumina, and γ‐alumina‐supported 12‐tungstosilicic acid catalysts. It showed high catalytic performances, even at higher space velocity or in the presence of excess water. In addition, the catalyst was also preliminarily assessed in the formation of ethyl acetate from acetic acid and ethylene. It also exhibited a high activity which was comparable with that of silica‐supported 12‐tungstosilicic acid catalyst.
Gold‐Catalyzed Cyclizations: A Comparative Study of ortho,ortho′‐Substituted KITPHOS Monophosphines with their Biaryl Monophosphine Counterpart SPHOS
Authors: Hashmi A. Stephen K. , Loos Annette , Doherty Simon , Knight Julian G. , Robson Katharine J. , Rominger Frank
Published: March 2011

Electrophilic gold(I) triflimide (trifluoromethanesulfonimide) complexes of electron‐rich ortho,ortho′‐disubstituted KITPHOS (11‐dicyclohexylphosphino‐12‐phenyl‐9,10‐ethenoanthracene) monophosphines are efficient catalysts for intramolecular cycloisomerizations that afford phenols, 3‐acylindenes and methylene‐oxazolines; comparative catalyst testing showed that these catalysts either competed with or outperformed that based on SPHOS [2‐(2′,6′‐dimethoxybiphenyl)dicyclohexylphosphine]. An electron‐rich biarylmonophosphine containing a single ortho‐methoxy substituent, prepared by rhodium‐catalyzed [2+2+2] cycloaddition between a 1‐alkynyl(dicyclohexylphosphine) oxide and 1,7‐octadiyne, also formed a highly efficient catalyst for the same transformations. Monitoring of comparative catalyst testing between a KITPHOS‐based gold(I) triflimide complex containing a coordinated tetrahydrothiophene and its counterpart coordinated solely by the triflimide anion revealed that the former is an order of magnitude less efficient than the latter, confirming that tetrahydrothiophene can be an effective catalyst inhibitor.
The use of fractional exhaled nitric oxide in investigation of work‐related cough in a hairdresser
Authors: Pala Gianni , Pignatti Patrizia , Moscato Gianna
Published: March 2011

Background

Occupational and environmental factors may be a cause of nonasthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis (NAEB). The diagnosis of occupational NAEB requires evidence of sputum eosinophilia. Nevertheless, a minority of patients are not able to produce suitable sputum specimens.

Methods

This case report describes a 25‐year‐old woman, working as a hairdresser since the age of 20 years and handling ammonium persulfate, who came under our observation for work‐related rhinitis and cough.

Results

A specific inhalation challenge with ammonium persulfate elicited dry cough, without any significant change in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1). Sputum induction was unsuccessful both pre‐ and after specific inhalation challenge. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) values significantly increased after specific inhalation challenge, suggesting a diagnosis of occupational NAEB due to ammonium persulfate.

Conclusions

From this observation we suggest that FeNO measurement should be added to the investigation of work‐related cough during specific inhalation challenge, and may be considered as an alternative to induced sputum to evaluate bronchial inflammation when sputum collection is unavailable or unsuccessful. Am. J. Ind. Med. 54:565–568, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
TiO2 Nanotubes: Synthesis and Applications
Authors: Roy Poulomi , Berger Steffen , Schmuki Patrik
Published: March 2011

TiO2 is one of the most studied compounds in materials science. Owing to some outstanding properties it is used for instance in photocatalysis, dye‐sensitized solar cells, and biomedical devices. In 1999, first reports showed the feasibility to grow highly ordered arrays of TiO2 nanotubes by a simple but optimized electrochemical anodization of a titanium metal sheet. This finding stimulated intense research activities that focused on growth, modification, properties, and applications of these one‐dimensional nanostructures. This review attempts to cover all these aspects, including underlying principles and key functional features of TiO2, in a comprehensive way and also indicates potential future directions of the field.
Modeling of solid–liquid equilibria for polyethylene and polypropylene solutions with equations of state
Authors: Costa G. M. N. , Kislansky S. , Oliveira L. C. , Pessoa F. L. P. , Vieira de Melo S. A. B. , Embiruçu M.
Published: March 2011

We modeled solid–liquid equilibria (SLEs) in polyethylene and polypropylene solutions with a Soave–Redlich–Kwong (SRK) cubic equation of state (EOS) and a perturbed‐chain statistical associating fluid theory (PC‐SAFT) EOS. Two types of mixing rules were used with SRK EOS: The Wong–Sandler mixing rule and the linear combination of the Vidal and Michelsen mixing rules (LCVM), both of which incorporated the Bogdanic and Vidal activity coefficient model. The performance of these models was evaluated with atmospheric‐pressure and high‐pressure experimental SLE data obtained from literature. The basic SLE equation was solved for the equilibrium melting temperature instead of for the composition. The binary interaction parameters of SRK and PC‐SAFT EOS were estimated to best describe the experimental equilibrium behavior of 20 different polymer–solvent systems at atmospheric pressure and 31 other polymer–solvent systems at high pressure. A comparison with experimental data showed that SRK–LCVM agreed very well with the atmospheric SLE data and that PC‐SAFT EOS was more efficient in high‐pressure conditions. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Biodegradable blends based on chitin and chitosan: Production, structure, and properties
Authors: Rogovina Svetlana Z. , Alexanyan Christine V. , Prut Eduard V.
Published: March 2011

Blends based on LDPE and chitin or chitosan were prepared under high‐temperature shear deformations in a rotor disperser at different initial ratios of the components. Although one of the components is an infusible polymer (polysaccharide), the powder blends were obtained. The composition of the powder fractions was shown to be identical to the original blend composition. It was found that the addition of poly(ethylene oxide) to the mentioned blends improves the biodegradability of the polymer materials and extends their application areas. Using various physicochemical methods, the structural and morphological changes in the polymer compositions under the action of shear deformations were examined, the mechanical characteristics of prepared films were determined, and also the features of their bio‐, thermo‐, and photo‐oxidative degradation were studied. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Properties of n‐eicosane‐loaded silk fibroin‐chitosan microcapsules
Authors: Basal Guldemet , Sirin Deveci Senem , Yalcin Dilek , Bayraktar Oguz
Published: March 2011

PCM microcapsules containing n‐eicosane were prepared by complex coacervation of silk fibroin (SF) and chitosan (CHI). Chemical characterization of microcapsules was carried out using Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy. Thermal properties and thermal stability of microencapsulated n‐eicosane were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). FTIR spectra confirmed the encapsulation of n‐eicosane within the microcapsules. Results from thermal analyses showed that microcapsules consisted of an average of 45.7 wt % n‐eicosane, and had a thermal energy storage and release capacity of about 93.04 J/g and 89.68 J/g, respectively. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Electrical conductivity and mechanical strength of composites consisting of phenolic resin, carbon fibers, and metal particles
Authors: Simitzis J. , Zoumpoulakis L. , Soulis S. , Triantou D. , Pinaka Ch.
Published: March 2011

Composites of phenolic resin of novolac type as matrix, with metal particles of Zn as conducting filler, without or with 15% v/v carbon fibers were manufactured by hot pressing. The porosity ratio, the hardness, the flexural and shear strength, and the electrical conductivity of the composites were determined. The percolation threshold was determined based on two models of electrical conductivity versus the content of metal particles of Zn, namely, an analogous to polymer gelation model and the other based on the power law. The composites of carbon fibers combined with Zn particles have higher electrical conductivity than the corresponding without carbon fibers and high strength, lower than that of the composite reinforced with carbon fibers without Zn particles, but still acceptable. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Maleic anhydride copolymers with ability to bind metal ions. 1. polydentate amine derivatives for cr (III) ions' removal
Authors: Albu Ana Maria , Mocioi Mihaela , Mateescu Carmencita Doina , Iosif Andreea
Published: March 2011

New polymeric chelate structures derived from maleic anhydride–dicyclopentadiene copolymer (MA–DCPD) were synthesized by chemical modifications with triethylenetetramine (TETA), from Riedel De Haën AG Seelze, Hannover. Germany. Both amide and imide forms of these new polymers have been tested in the retention process of Cr (III) ions. Experimental results referring mainly to the retention capacity and retention efficiency, for different values of the working parameters: contact procedure, batch time, concentration of chelators, and pH, are presented. The polymer structures and their metal complexes were characterized by IR spectroscopy. IR spectra proved that the metal was coordinated by nitrogen from TETA. The thermal properties of modified polymers and polychelates were also examined. Based on these experimental results and literature data, we discuss a possible binding mechanism and suggest the polychelate structures. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Bonding characteristics of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers coated with maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene in cement‐based composites
Authors: Won Jong‐Pil , Park Chan‐Gi , Lee Su‐Jin , Kang Joo‐Won
Published: March 2011

In this study, we sought to enhance the bond performance between recycled polyethylene terephthalate(PET) fibers and cement‐based composites using a hydrophilization treatment with hydrophilic maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (mPP). The bond performance was evaluated with bone‐shaped specimens after the hydrophilization treatment. The effects of the concentration of mPP in the solution in which the PET fibers were immersed (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20%) and the three types of shapes on the surface energy of the recycled PET fibers were evaluated. The pullout behavior, bond strength, and interfacial energy all increased with the concentration of mPP to 15% but decreased at 20%. This occurred because 15% mPP coated the recycled PET fiber thoroughly, whereas a 20% mPP coating resulted in partial cracks, which led to fractures on application of a pullout load. Of the fiber shapes, the embossed fibers demonstrated the best bond behavior. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Cytological features of atypical carcinoid combined with adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix
Authors: Hara Hitoshi , Ishii Eri , Honda Tomomi , Nakagawa Miki , Teramoto Katsuhiro , Oyama Toshio
Published: March 2011

Neuroendocrine tumors of the uterine cervix (UC) are rare, and atypical carcinoid (AC) combined with adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix (ACAUC) is particularly rare. Only the histopathology has been investigated in the English literature. A 49‐year‐old female with a polypoid lesion of the UC visited Yamanashi Prefectural Central Hospital. Scraping cytology, biopsy, and hysterectomy was performed. EC smears showed solid, rosette, honeycomb, true tubular, and trabecular clusters. Solid clusters were oval, thin edge, delicate, small‐large nuclei, pale, granular, scant, nothing, and well‐preserved (though ill‐defined border) cytoplasm. Rosette clusters were eccentric, oval nuclei, mixture of coarsely granular chromatin and euchromatin, and cyanophilic luminal content. Solid and rosette clusters impress AC. Honeycomb clusters involved a clearly defined border and translucent mucin. True tubular clusters were oval nuclei of fine chromatin or euchromatin, thick cytoplasm, and orange luminal content. Honeycomb and true tubular clusters suspected adenocarcinoma. Trabecular clusters were fusiform, columnar, cuboidal, and polygonal cell shapes of small, monotonous nuclei, and contained coarsely granular chromatin with occasionally intracytoplasmic translucent mucin and were difficult to differentiate typical carcinoid and adenocarcinoma. Histology was AC combined with adenocarcinoma. The aim of this study was to investigate the cytological characteristics of ACAUC. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Mechanism of the Acid‐Catalyzed Benzidine Rearrangement of Hydrazobenzene: A Theoretical Study
Authors: Ghigo Giovanni , Osella Silvio , Maranzana Andrea , Tonachini Glauco
Published: March 2011

The acid‐catalyzed benzidine rearrangement of hydrazobenzene yields p‐benzidine and diphenyline as the main products and some other secondary products such as o‐benzidine, o‐semidine and p‐semidine. Several reaction mechanisms have been proposed for this rearrangement, but none fully describes it. In this work we present the results of an unrestricted DFT(M06‐2X) study in which the benzidine rearrangement of the hydrazobenzene is fully described. Some relevant points were also analyzed with the CASSCF and CASPT2 methods. Our theoretical approach properly describes the electronic structure of all species along the reaction pathway. The rearrangement of the hydrazobenzene has been found to take place through a multi‐step mechanism in which complexes with dication diradical character similar to those proposed by Dewar play a key role. For the first time, the kinetic isotope effects have been calculated and were found to be in good agreement with the experimental findings. The relative yields of the main products were also correctly estimated. Finally, an explanation of the general acid catalysis observed in some experiments is offered.
Access to the cis‐Fused Stereoisomers of Proline Analogues Containing an Octahydroindole Core
Authors: Sayago Francisco J. , Laborda Pedro , Calaza M. Isabel , Jiménez Ana I. , Cativiela Carlos
Published: March 2011

An overview of the synthetic methods developed to build all the cis‐fused stereoisomers of octahydroindole‐2‐carboxylic acid and its α‐methylated derivative in enantiomerically pure form is presented. Both asymmetric synthetic strategies(auxiliary‐ or substrate‐controlled processes) and procedures based on the resolution of racemic compounds (chemical, enzymatic, and chromatographic processes) are summarized. Special emphasis has been placed on those strategies able to provide multigram quantities of enantiopure compounds, a prerequisite to make downstream biological applications feasible.
Intermolecular Amination of Allyl Alcohols with Sulfamates: Effective Utilization of Mercuric Catalyst
Authors: Yamamoto Hirofumi , Ho Elisabeth , Sasaki Ikuo , Mitsutake Mizuho , Takagi Yuichi , Imagawa Hiroshi , Nishizawa Mugio
Published: March 2011

Herein, we describe the intermolecular amination of allyl alcohols with sulfamates, which have been underutilized as nitrogen nucleophiles for allylic amination. Methyl sulfamate is a good nucleophile in the presence of mercuric triflate and efficiently generates monoallylation products in excellent yield at room temperature. Furthermore, the solid‐supported mercuric catalyst silaphenyl mercuric triflate also showed remarkable catalytic activity for the allylic amination.
Quantification of plasma lactate concentrations using capillary electrophoresis with contactless conductivity detection
Authors: Pormsila Worapan , Morand Réjane , Krähenbühl Stephan , Hauser Peter C.
Published: March 2011

The quantification of plasma lactate and evaluation of the lactate threshold by CE with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity is demonstrated. The only sample preparation needed was deproteinization with a ACN/methanol mixture. A solution of 10 mmol/L 2‐morpholinoethanesulfonic acid monohydrate, 10 mmol/L DL‐histidine, 70 μmol/L hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide, pH 6.0 was found suitable as running buffer. Linearity was achieved for the concentration range of 10–1000 μmol/L with a correlation coefficient of 0.9994. The limit of detection (3 S/N) was determined as 3.2 μmol/L. Intra‐ and inter‐day variabilities were less than 7% RSD. The suitability of the method could be demonstrated by analyzing various clinical samples, where the results correlated satisfactorily with those of an established enzymatic method.
Automated microsystem for electrochemical detection of cancer markers
Authors: Kellner Christian , Botero Mary Luz , Latta Daniel , Drese Klaus , Fragoso Alex , O'Sullivan Ciara K.
Published: March 2011

The development of a fully automated microsystem housing an amperometric immunosensor is presented. The microfluidic cell integrates reagent storage and electrochemical immunodetection and was applied for the detection of breast cancer markers. The main advantage of this system is that no external fluidic storage is required and the instrumental setup is thus greatly simplified. The fluidics of the microsystem is computer controlled and requires minimal end‐user intervention. The analytical performance of the device was compared with a manually driven system and applied for the amperometric detection of the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cancer antigen 15‐3 (CA15‐3). This automation methodology greatly improves the analytical performance of the immunosensor in terms of accuracy and reproducibility as evidenced by a reduction of LOD observed for CEA and CA15‐3 with respect to a manually driven system. Finally, the automated microsystem was applied for the analysis of real patient serum samples, demonstrating excellent correlation with a commercial ELISA.
Effect of temperature and organic loading rate on upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor and CH4 production by treating liquidized food waste
Authors: Latif M.A. , Ahmad A. , Ghufran R. , Wahid Z.A.
Published: March 2011

Anaerobic treatment of liquidized food waste (LFW) was carried out in an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor (UASBR) by stepwise increase in organic loading rate (OLR) and temperature. The chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC), biogas and methane production were measured at hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 10 to 4d, and start up strategy of the reactor was monitored for 10 weeks. Thermophilic condition was achieved by increasing the temperature from 30 to 55°C, and pH was maintained at 7 ± 0.5 throughout the experiment. Maximum COD removal efficiency was 93.67% (r = 0.84) at an OLR of 12.5 g‐COD/L·d and 4d HRT. Maximum TOC removal efficiency was 79.14% (r = −0.94) at an influent TOC concentration of 3.59 g/L. Biogas and methane yield were recorded to a maximum of 1.364 L/g‐CODremoved·d (r = 0.81), 0.912 L/g‐CODremoved·d (r = 0.83), and average methane content of biogas was 63%. The reactor was fully acclimatized at 55°C and achieved stability with high removal efficiency and biogas production. An OLR of 12.5 g‐COD/L·d and HRT of 4 days were suitable for the treatment of LFW in UASBR. The treatment process can also be extendable for more than 10 weeks without any measurable problem. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2012
Chronic perchlorate exposure causes morphological abnormalities in developing stickleback
Authors: Bernhardt Richard R , von Hippel Frank A , O'Hara Todd M
Published: March 2011

Few studies have examined the effects of chronic perchlorate exposure during growth and development, and fewer still have analyzed the effects of perchlorate over multiple generations. We describe morphological and developmental characteristics for threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) that were spawned and raised to sexual maturity in perchlorate-treated water (G1,2003) and for their offspring (G2,2004) that were not directly treated with perchlorate. The G1,2003 displayed a variety of abnormalities, including impaired formation of calcified traits, slower growth rates, aberrant sexual development, poor survivorship, and reduced pigmentation that allowed internal organs to be visible. Yet these conditions were absent when the offspring of contaminated fish (G2,2004) were raised in untreated water, suggesting a lack of transgenerational effects and that surviving populations may be able to recover following remediation of perchlorate-contaminated sites. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011; 30:1468–1478. © 2011 SETAC
Selenium concentrations and enzyme activities of glutathione metabolism in wild long-tailed ducks and common eiders
Authors: Franson J. Christian , Hoffman David J , Flint Paul L
Published: March 2011

The relationships of selenium (Se) concentrations in whole blood with plasma activities of total glutathione peroxidase, Se-dependent glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase were studied in long-tailed ducks (Clangula hyemalis) and common eiders (Somateria mollissima) sampled along the Beaufort Sea coast of Alaska, USA. Blood Se concentrations were >8 µg/g wet weight in both species. Linear regression revealed that the activities of total and Se-dependent glutathione peroxidase were significantly related to Se concentrations only in long-tailed ducks, raising the possibility that these birds were experiencing early oxidative stress. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011; 30:1479–1481. © 2011 SETAC
Forecasting Performance of Nonlinear Models for Intraday Stock Returns
Authors: Matías José M. , Reboredo Juan C.
Published: March 2011

We studied the predictability of intraday stock market returns using both linear and nonlinear time series models. For the S&P 500 index we compared simple autoregressive and random walk linear models with a range of nonlinear models, including smooth transition, Markov switching, artificial neural network, nonparametric kernel regression and support vector machine models for horizons of 5, 10, 20, 30 and 60 minutes. The empirical results indicate that nonlinear models outperformed linear models on the basis of both statistical and economic criteria. Specifically, although return serial correlation receded by around 10 minutes, return predictability still persisted for up to 60 minutes according to nonlinear models, even though profitability decreases as time elapses. More flexible nonlinear models such as support vector machines and artificial neural network did not clearly outperform other nonlinear models. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Henderson‐Trending of Macroeconomic Variables and Forecasting Accuracy
Authors: Lenten Liam J. A.
Published: March 2011

Using a structural time‐series model, the forecasting accuracy of a wide range of macroeconomic variables is investigated. Specifically of importance is whether the Henderson moving‐average procedure distorts the underlying time‐series properties of the data for forecasting purposes. Given the weight of attention in the literature to the seasonal adjustment process used by various statistical agencies, this study hopes to address the dearth of literature on ‘trending’ procedures. Forecasts using both the trended and untrended series are generated. The forecasts are then made comparable by ‘detrending’ the trended forecasts, and comparing both series to the realised values. Forecasting accuracy is measured by a suite of common methods, and a test of significance of difference is applied to the respective root mean square errors. It is found that the Henderson procedure does not lead to deterioration in forecasting accuracy in Australian macroeconomic variables on most occasions, though the conclusions are very different between the one‐step‐ahead and multi‐step‐ahead forecasts. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Horizontale dynamische Pfahltests – Studie zur Reproduzierbarkeit
Authors: Rudolph Christina , Mahutka Klaus‐Peter
Published: March 2011

Der Horizontale Dynamische Pfahltest, kurz H‐DPT, bietet die Möglichkeit, mit verhältnismäßig wenig Aufwand den Bettungsmodul von horizontal belasteten Pfählen zu bestimmen. Es werden Feldversuche vorgestellt, bei denen die Ergebnisse dynamischer Pfahltests mit denen statischer Tests verglichen werden. Der H‐DPT wurde auf einem großen Testfeld an 17 Pfählen durchgeführt und validiert.

Horizontal dynamic pile tests – Study of reproducibility. Horizontal dynamic pile testing (H‐DPT) is a method to determine the lateral subgrade reaction of laterally loaded piles with less effort than with static testing. In‐situ measurements are presented and the results of the dynamic pile tests are compared to static loading tests. H‐DPT is tested on a large testing site with 17 piles to verify the method.
Quellverhalten eines teilgesättigten Kaolinit‐Tons: Laborversuche, Modell und numerische Simulation
Authors: Dobrowolsky Markus , Vrettos Christos
Published: March 2011

Die vorliegende Arbeit beschäftigt sich mit den Zwangsbeanspruchungen auf geotechnische Bauwerke infolge Quellen von feinkörnigen Böden. Anhand von Versuchsergebnissen an neu entwickelten Ödometergeräten werden für einen quellfähigen teilgesättigten Kaolinit‐Ton das Volumenänderungsverhalten sowie die einhergehenden Spannungsänderungen in Abhängigkeit von dem Sättigungsgrad und der Porenzahl untersucht. Aus den Versuchsergebnissen werden empirische Beziehungen hergeleitet, die in ein allgemeines Finite‐Element‐Programm implementiert werden. Mit diesem Modell werden anschließend die Zwängungen auf ein im Boden eingebettetes Gründungselement als Konsequenz der Feuchteausbreitung analysiert.

Swelling behaviour of a partially saturated kaolinite clay: Laboratory tests, model and numerical simulation. The paper addresses the constraints imposed on geotechnical structures due to swelling of fine‐grained soils. The volume change behaviour and the associated changes in the stress state for an expansive kaolinite clay are experimentally investigated in specially developed oedometer devices in dependence on the degree of saturation and void ratio. Empirical relationships are derived from the test results that are implemented in a finite element code. Using this model, the constaints imposed on a foundation element embedded in this soil due to moisture diffusion are analyzed.
Cut‐off wall construction using Cutter Soil Mixing: a case study
Authors: Arnold Michael , Beckhaus Karsten , Wiedenmann Ulli
Published: March 2011

Cutter Soil Mixing (CSM), a deep soil mixing method, was used to rehabilitate the Herbert Hoover Dike, Florida by installing a cutoff wall. After an introduction to the method including remarks on its advantages and limitations, the rehabilitation project and its background are presented. The paper describes the necessary approach to apply Cutter Soil Mixing under the specific site conditions. Finally, results obtained from an extensive testing program are discussed.

Herstellung einer Dichtwand mittels Cutter‐Soil‐Mixing: Ein Fallbeispiel. Das Bodenmischverfahren Cutter‐Soil‐Mixing (CSM) wurde bei der Instandsetzung des Herbert‐Hoover‐Deichs in Florida zum Einbau einer Dichtwand eingesetzt. Das Verfahren einschließlich seiner Vorteile und Einsatzgrenzen wird vorgestellt und der Hintergrund des Deichsanierungsprojekts erläutert. Der Aufsatz beschreibt das Vorgehen, welches für den Einsatz des CSM‐Verfahrens unter den speziellen Randbedingungen der Baustelle notwendig war. Zum Schluss werden die Ergebnisse des umfangreichen Versuchsprogramms diskutiert.
Longitudinal analysis of cognitive performances and structural brain changes in late‐life bipolar disorder
Authors: Delaloye C. , Moy G. , de Bilbao F. , Weber K. , Baudois S. , Haller S. , Xekardaki A. , Canuto A. , Giardini U. , Lövblad K.‐O. , Gold G. , Giannakopoulos P.
Published: March 2011

Objectives

Cross‐sectional studies in bipolar disorder (BD) suggested the presence of cognitive deficits and subtle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes in limbic areas that may persist at euthymic stages. Whether or not cognitive and MRI changes represent stable attributes of BD or evolve with time is still matter of debate. To address this issue, we performed a 2‐year longitudinal study including detailed neuropsychological and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analyses of 15 euthymic older BD patients and 15 controls.

Methods

Neuropsychological evaluation concerned working memory, episodic memory, processing speed, and executive functions. MRI analyses included voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) analysis of gray matter including region of interest (ROI) analysis and tract‐based spatial statistics (TBSS) analysis of white matter of diffusion tensor imaging derived fractional anisotropy (FA).

Results

BD patients displayed significantly lower performances in processing speed and episodic memory but not in working memory and executive functions compared to controls. However, BD patients did not differ from controls in the mean trajectory of cognitive changes during the 2 years follow‐up. In the same line, longitudinal gray matter (VBM, ROI) and white matter (TBSS FA) changes did not differ between BD patients and controls.

Conclusion

The lack of distinction between BD patients and controls in respect to the 2‐year changes in cognition and MRI findings supports the notion that this disorder does not have a significant adverse impact on cognitive and brain aging. From this point of view, the present results convey a message of hope for patients suffering from BD. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.