bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Nexus Copy Number Software for CNV Detection and Analysis
Authors: Darvishi Katayoon
Published: April 2010

Among human structural genomic variation, copy number variants (CNVs) are the most frequently known component, comprised of gains/losses of DNA segments that are generally 1 kb in length or longer. Array‐based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) has emerged as a powerful tool for detecting genomic copy number variants (CNVs). With the rapid increase in the density of array technology and with the adaptation of new high‐throughput technology, a reliable and computationally scalable method for accurate mapping of recurring DNA copy number aberrations has become a main focus in research. Here we introduce Nexus Copy Number software, a platform‐independent tool, to analyze the output files of all types of commercial and custom‐made comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) and single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays, such as those manufactured by Affymetrix, Agilent Technologies, Illumina, and Roche NimbleGen. It also supports data generated by various array image‐analysis software tools such as GenePix, ImaGene, and BlueFuse. Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 65:4.14.1‐4.14.28. © 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Quantitative Glycomics of Cultured Cells Using Isotopic Detection of Aminosugars with Glutamine (IDAWG)
Authors: Fang Meng , Lim Jae‐Min , Wells Lance
Published: April 2010

IDAWG (Isotopic Detection of Aminosugars With Glutamine) is a newly reported, in vivo, stable isotopic labeling strategy for quantitative glycomics of cultured cells. Detailed procedures are provided for glycan analysis using IDAWG including labeling, release of both N‐ and O‐linked glycans, permethylation, and mass spectrometry analysis. The methods for data processing and calculations are also introduced here but have not yet been automated. Curr. Protoc. Chem Biol. 2:55‐69. © 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Targeted Degradation of Proteins by PROTACs
Authors: Jang Eun Ryoung , Lee Wooin , Kim Kyung Bo
Published: April 2010

In recent years, small interference RNAs (siRNAs) have greatly enhanced our understanding of protein functions by allowing knockdown of targeted proteins at the mRNA level. Similarly, in an effort to achieve degradation of targeted proteins at the post‐translational level, chimeric small molecules called “PROTACs” (PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeric molecules) have been developed. The PROTAC approach utilizes chimeric small molecules which recruit targeted proteins to the ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway, a major intracellular protein degradation system. Unlike conventional small molecules that bind to protein and inhibit its function, the PROTAC approach induces destruction of target protein via the ubiquitin‐proteasome system. This article presents a typical strategy for PROTAC design and preparation and biological characterization. Curr. Protoc. Chem Biol. 2:71‐87. © 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Antheraea assama Silk Fibroin‐Based Functional Scaffold with Enhanced Blood Compatibility for Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Kasoju Naresh , Bora Utpal
Published: April 2010

The architecture and surface chemistry of a scaffold determine its utility in tissue engineering (TE). Conventional techniques have limitations in fabricating a scaffold with control over both architecture and surface chemistry. To ameliorate this, in this report, we demonstrate the fabrication of an Antheraea assama silk fibroin (AASF)‐based functional scaffold. AASF is a non‐mulberry variety having superior qualities to mulberry SF and is largely unexplored in the context of TE. First, a 3D scaffold with biomimetic architecture is fabricated. The scaffold is subsequently made blood compatible by modifying the surface chemistry through a simple sulfation reaction. EDX and FTIR analysis demonstrate the successful sulfation of the scaffold. SEM observations reveal that sulfation has no any effect on the scaffold architecture. TGA reveals that it has increased thermal stability. The sulfation reaction significantly improves the overall hydrophilicity of the scaffold, as is evident from the increase in water holding capacity; this possibly enhances the blood compatibility. The enhancement in blood compatibility of the sulfated scaffold is determined from in vitro haemolysis, protein adsorption and platelet adhesion studies. The sulfated scaffold is non‐toxic and supports cell adhesion and growth, as revealed by indirect and direct contact‐based in vitro cytotoxicity assays. This study reveals that the AASF‐based functional scaffold, which has biomimetic architecture and blood‐compatible surface chemistry, could be suitable for TE applications.
Ultrafast Hole‐Transfer Dynamics in Polymer/PCBM Bulk Heterojunctions
Authors: Bakulin Artem A. , Hummelen Jan C. , Pshenichnikov Maxim S. , van Loosdrecht Paul H. M.
Published: April 2010

Ultrafast dynamics of the hole‐transfer process from methanofullerene to a polymer in a polymer/PCBM bulk heterojunction are directly resolved. Injection of holes into MDMO‐PPV is markedly delayed with respect to [60]PCBM excitation. The fastest component of the delayed response is attributed to the PCBM–polymer hole‐transfer process (30 ± 10 fs), while the slower component (∼150 fs) is provisionally assigned to energy transfer and/or relaxation inside PCBM nanoclusters. The charge generation through the hole transfer is therefore as fast and efficient as through the electron‐transfer process. Exciton harvesting efficiency after PCBM excitation crucially depends on the concentration of the methanofullerene in the blend, which is related to changes in the blend morphology. Ultrafast charge generation is most efficient when the characteristic scale of phase separation in the blend does not exceed ∼20 nm. At larger‐scale phase separation, the exciton harvesting dramatically declines. The obtained results on the time scales of the ultrafast charge generation after PCBM excitation and their dependence on blend composition and morphology are instrumental for the future design of fullerene‐derivative‐based photovoltaic devices.
Preparation of High‐Performance Conductive Polymer Fibers through Morphological Control of Networks Formed by Nanofillers
Authors: Deng Hua , Skipa Tetyana , Bilotti Emiliano , Zhang Rui , Lellinger Dirk , Mezzo Luca , Fu Qiang , Alig Ingo , Peijs Ton
Published: April 2010

A general method is described to prepare high‐performance conductive polymer fibers or tapes. In this method, bicomponent tapes/fibers containing two layers of conductive polymer composites (CPCs) filled with multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNT) or carbon black (CB) based on a lower‐melting‐temperature polymer and an unfilled polymer core with higher melting temperature are fabricated by a melt‐based process. Morphological control of the conductive network formed by nanofillers is realized by solid‐state drawing and annealing. Information on the morphological and electrical change of the highly oriented conductive nanofiller network in CPC bicomponent tapes during relaxation, melting, and crystallization of the polymer matrix is reported for the first time. The conductivity of these polypropylene tapes can be as high as 275 S m−1 with tensile strengths of around 500 MPa. To the best of the authors' knowledge, it is the most conductive, high‐strength polymer fiber produced by melt‐processing reported in literature, despite the fact that only ∼5 wt.% of MWNTs are used in the outer layers of the tape and the overall MWNT content in the bicomponent tape can be much lower (typically ∼0.5 wt.%). Their applications could include sensing, smart textiles, electrodes for flexible solar cells, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. Furthermore, a modeling approach was used to study the relaxation process of highly oriented conductive networks formed by carbon nanofillers.
Interface Engineering for Organic Electronics
Authors: Ma Hong , Yip Hin‐Lap , Huang Fei , Jen Alex K.‐Y.
Published: April 2010

The field of organic electronics has been developed vastly in the past two decades due to its promise for low cost, lightweight, mechanical flexibility, versatility of chemical design and synthesis, and ease of processing. The performance and lifetime of these devices, such as organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs), photovoltaics (OPVs), and field‐effect transistors (OFETs), are critically dependent on the properties of both active materials and their interfaces. Interfacial properties can be controlled ranging from simple wettability or adhesion between different materials to direct modifications of the electronic structure of the materials. In this Feature Article, the strategies of utilizing surfactant‐modified cathodes, hole‐transporting buffer layers, and self‐assembled monolayer (SAM)‐modified anodes are highlighted. In addition to enabling the production of high‐efficiency OLEDs, control of interfaces in both conventional and inverted polymer solar cells is shown to enhance their efficiency and stability; and the tailoring of source–drain electrode–semiconductor interfaces, dielectric–semiconductor interfaces, and ultrathin dielectrics is shown to allow for high‐performance OFETs.
Efficient and Long‐Living Light‐Emitting Electrochemical Cells
Authors: Costa Rubén D. , Ortí Enrique , Bolink Henk J. , Graber Stefan , Housecroft Catherine E. , Constable Edwin C.
Published: April 2010

Three new heteroleptic iridium complexes that combine two approaches, one leading to a high stability and the other yielding a high luminescence efficiency, are presented. All complexes contain a phenyl group at the 6‐position of the neutral bpy ligand, which holds an additional, increasingly bulky substituent on the 4‐position. The phenyl group allows for intramolecular π–π stacking, which renders the complex more stable and yields long‐living light‐emitting electrochemical cells (LECs). The additional substituent increases the intersite distance between the cations in the film, reducing the quenching of the excitons, and should improve the efficiency of the LECs. Density functional theory calculations indicate that the three complexes have the desired π–π intramolecular interactions between the pendant phenyl ring of the bpy ligand and the phenyl ring of one of the ppy ligands in the ground and the excited states. The photoluminescence quantum efficiency of concentrated films of the complexes improves with the increasing size of the bulky groups indicating that the adopted strategy for improving the efficiency is successful. Indeed, LEC devices employing these complexes as the primary active component show shorter turn‐on times, higher efficiencies and luminances, and, surprisingly, also demonstrate longer device stabilities.
α‐ and β‐Stannyl Trifluoromethylbutenoates: Regioselective Preparation and Use in Copper(I)‐Catalyzed Allylation and Propargylation Reactions
Authors: Carcenac Yvan , Zine Khalid , Kizirian Jean‐Claude , Thibonnet Jérôme , Duchêne Alain , Parrain Jean‐Luc , Abarbri Mohamed
Published: April 2010

The palladium‐free hydrostannylation of ethyl 4,4,4‐trifluorobutynoate1with tributyltin hydride at room temperature is highly regio‐ and stereoselective, providing good yields of β‐trifluoromethyl (Z)‐α‐ or (Z)‐β‐stannylacrylates2. Vinylstannanes2undergo a copper(I)‐catalyzed coupling reactions with allylic or propargylic bromides leading selectively to good yields of the corresponding allylated or propargylated products without allylic or allenic transposition.
Sulfonated N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes for Pd‐Catalyzed Sonogashira and Suzuki–Miyaura Coupling in Aqueous Solvents
Authors: Roy Sutapa , Plenio Herbert
Published: April 2010

The reactions of the N,N′‐diarylimidazolium and N,N′‐diarylimidazolinium salts with chlorosulfonic acid result in the formation of the respective disulfonated N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) precursors in reasonable yields (46–77%). Water‐soluble palladium catalyst complexes, in situ obtained from the respective sulfonated imidazolinium salt, sodium tetrachloropalladate (Na2PdCl4) and potassium hydroxide (KOH) in water, were successfully applied in the copper‐free Sonogashira coupling reaction in isopropyl alcohol/water mixtures using 0.2 mol% catalyst loading. The preformed (disulfonatedNHC)PdCl(cinnamyl) complex was used in aqueous Suzuki–Miyaura reactions at 0.1 mol% catalyst loading. The coupling protocol reported here is very useful for Sonogashira reactions of N‐ and S‐heterocyclic aryl bromides and chlorides with aryl‐ and alkylacetylenes.
Synthesis of Benzoxazole and Benzimidazole Derivatives via Ligand‐Free Copper(I)‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling Reaction of o‐Halophenols or o‐Haloanilines with Carbodiimides
Authors: Shen Guodong , Bao Weiliang
Published: April 2010

A novel and efficient synthesis of benzoxazole and benzimidazole derivatives via a ligand‐free, copper(I)‐catalyzed, one‐pot cascade process has been developed. A variety of carbodiimides coupled with o‐halophenols or o‐haloanilines to give the products in moderate to excellent yields under the mild conditions.
Copper‐Catalyzed Enantioselective [2+2] Cycloadditions of 2‐Nitrosopyridine with Ketenes
Authors: Chatterjee Indranil , Jana Chandan Kumar , Steinmetz Marc , Grimme Stefan , Studer Armido
Published: April 2010

Copper(I)‐catalyzed [2+2] cycloadditions of various ketenes with 2‐nitrosopyridine to afford synthetically highly valuable 1,2‐oxazetidine‐3‐ones are shown to occur with good enantioselectivities. The thermal uncatalyzed process furnishes the unstable regioisomeric oxazetidinone. Density function theory (DFT) calculations give evidence that the reaction occurs via a concerted [2+2] cycloaddtion pathway.
The impact of multiple volatilities on import demand for U.S. commodities: the case of soybeans
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Reed Michael R. , Saghaian Sayed H.
Published: April 2010

The focus of this study is the effects of exchange rate, commodity price, and ocean freight cost risks on import demand with forward‐futures markets. The case of U.S. and Brazilian soybeans is analyzed empirically using monthly data. A two‐way error component two‐stage least squares procedure for panel data is used for the analysis. Risk for these three effects is measured by the moving average of the standard deviation. Major soybean importers are sensitive to exchange rate risk. Importing countries in general are not sensitive to soybean price and ocean shipping cost risks for Brazilian or U.S. soybeans. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An empirical investigation of Wal‐Mart's expansion into food retailing
Authors: Bonanno Alessandro
Published: April 2010

After revolutionizing the concept of mass merchandising with its Discount Stores, Wal‐Mart has entered food retailing with its Supercenters, and has become the largest food retailer in the United States. Despite its relevance, little empirical research has focused on explaining the company's entry and expansion into food retailing. Wal‐Mart's expansion into food retailing through its store conversion strategy is analyzed using an industrial organization entry framework. The results show that Wal‐Mart's store conversion strategy has targeted largely populated areas with low population density, a high percentage of population receiving food stamps, and where the presence of incumbents is modest. The results also provide evidence that as the company moves toward saturation of local markets and increases store conversion rates, it may be forced to reconsider some of its strategic decisions based on the exploitation of economies of density and store conversion. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Barriers to HACCP implementation: evidence from the food processing sector in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Herath Deepananda , Henson Spencer
Published: April 2010

This study explores the barriers that impede the adoption of hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) by food processing firms in Ontario, Canada. The study identifies four broad groupings of barriers to HACCP implementation, namely perceptions that HACCP is of “questionable appropriateness” to the firm, the scale of change required to achieve implementation, low priority given to enhancement of food safety controls, and financial constraints. The severity of these identified barriers differs significantly between firms that have implemented HACCP and those that have not. In particular, HACCP implementation is impeded significantly by barriers related to financial constraints. The most important driver promoting implementation is customer requirements for HACCP to be implemented in supplier facilities. [EconLit citations: D210, L600, L660]. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Association between CYP2C19 polymorphism and depressive symptoms
Authors: Sim Sarah C. , Nordin Linn , Andersson Therese M.‐L. , Virding Susanne , Olsson Marita , Pedersen Nancy L. , Ingelman‐Sundberg Magnus
Published: April 2010

Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) is a polymorphic enzyme active in the metabolism of for example diazepam and the antidepressants sertraline, citalopram, and escitalopram, whereby allelic variants cause increased (CYP2C19*17) or abolished (mainly CYP2C19*2) enzymatic activity in drug metabolism. In light of the importance of CYP2C19 in the metabolism of psychoactive substances we considered it of interest to investigate the relationship between CYP2C19 polymorphisms and depressive symptoms in 1,472 subjects of European ancestry (45–98 years old) from the Swedish Twin Registry. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center of Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES‐D) scale. We found that poor metabolizers lacking CYP2C19 activity (PMs, CYP2C19*2/*2) had significantly lower levels of depressive symptoms than extensive metabolizers (EMs, CYP2C19*1/*1) (P = 0.0018). The size of this difference was in the same range as that between subjects reported taking antidepressants (n = 104) and those without antidepressant treatment (P < 0.0001). Our results suggest for the first time that the CYP2C19 polymorphism might be of importance for depressive symptoms, as here shown for older European adults. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association study of 182 candidate genes in anorexia nervosa
Authors: Pinheiro Andrea Poyastro , Bulik Cynthia M. , Thornton Laura M. , Sullivan Patrick F. , Root Tammy L. , Bloss Cinnamon S. , Berrettini Wade H. , Schork Nicholas J. , Kaye Walter H. , Bergen Andrew W. , Magistretti Pierre , Brandt Harry , Crawford Steve , Crow Scott , Fichter Manfred M. , Goldman David , Halmi Katherine A. , Johnson Craig , Kaplan Allan S. , Keel Pamela K. , Klump Kelly L. , La Via Maria , Mitchell James E. , Strober Michael , Rotondo Alessandro , Treasure Janet , Woodside D. Blake
Published: April 2010

We performed association studies with 5,151 SNPs that were judged as likely candidate genetic variations conferring susceptibility to anorexia nervosa (AN) based on location under reported linkage peaks, previous results in the literature (182 candidate genes), brain expression, biological plausibility, and estrogen responsivity. We employed a case–control design that tested each SNP individually as well as haplotypes derived from these SNPs in 1,085 case individuals with AN diagnoses and 677 control individuals. We also performed separate association analyses using three increasingly restrictive case definitions for AN: all individuals with any subtype of AN (All AN: n = 1,085); individuals with AN with no binge eating behavior (AN with No Binge Eating: n = 687); and individuals with the restricting subtype of AN (Restricting AN: n = 421). After accounting for multiple comparisons, there were no statistically significant associations for any individual SNP or haplotype block with any definition of illness. These results underscore the importance of large samples to yield appropriate power to detect genotypic differences in individuals with AN and also motivate complementary approaches involving Genome‐Wide Association (GWA) studies, Copy Number Variation (CNV) analyses, sequencing‐based rare variant discovery assays, and pathway‐based analysis in order to make up for deficiencies in traditional candidate gene approaches to AN. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Palladium‐catalyzed reduction of nitroaromatic compounds to the corresponding anilines
Authors: Mirza‐Aghayan Maryam , Boukherroub Rabah , Rahimifard Mahshid , Bolourtchian Mohammad
Published: April 2010

Reduction of a variety of nitroaromatic compounds with triethylsilane in the presence of catalytic amounts of palladium chloride in ethanol resulted in the formation of the corresponding anilines in excellent yields. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biocidal and catalytic efficiency of ruthenium(III) complexes with tridentate Schiff base ligands
Authors: Arunachalam S. , Padma Priya N. , Boopathi K. , Jayabalakrishnan C. , Chinnusamy V.
Published: April 2010

The reaction of the Schiff bases (obtained by condensing isatin with o‐aminophenol/o‐aminothiophenol/o‐aminobenzoic acid) with [RuX3(EPh3)3] (where X = Cl/Br; E = P/As) in benzene afforded new, air‐stable Ru(III) complexes of the general formula [Ru(L)X(EPh3)2] (L = dianion of tridentate Schiff bases). In all these reactions, the Schiff base ligand replaces one triphenylphosphine/triphenylarsine and two chlorides/bromides from the ruthenium precursors. The complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, spectral (FT–IR, UV–vis, 1H and 13C NMR for the ligands, and EPR) and electrochemical studies. All the metal complexes exhibit characteristic LMCT absorption bands in the visible region. The catalytic reactivity proved these complexes to be efficient catalysts in the oxidation of alcohols and CC coupling. All the complexes were screened for their biocidal efficiency against bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli and fungi such as Botrytis cinerea and Aspergillus niger at 0.25, 0.50 and 1% concentrations. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel copper(II) heterochelate: synthesis, structural features and fluorescence studies
Authors: Kharadi G. J. , Patel K. D.
Published: April 2010

Fluorescence properties of four based derivatives [An] (where n = 1–4) and their Cu(II) heterochelates of the type [Cu(An)(CQ)(OH)]•xH2O {where A1 = 3‐(2‐oxo‐2H‐chromen‐3‐yl)‐4H‐furo[3,2‐c]chromen‐4‐one, A2 = 8‐methyl‐3‐(2‐oxo‐2H‐chromen‐3‐yl)‐4H‐furo[3,2‐c]chromen‐4‐one, A3 = 6‐methyl‐3‐(2‐oxo‐2H‐chromen‐3‐yl)‐4H‐furo[3,2‐c]chromen‐4‐one, A4 = 8‐chloro‐3‐(2‐oxo‐2H‐chromen‐3‐yl)‐4H‐furo[3,2‐c]chromen‐4‐one and x = 3, 2, 4, 1} were studied at room temperature. The fluorescence spectra of heterochelates show red shift, which may be due to the chelation by the ligands to the metal ion. It enhances ligand ability to accept electrons and decreases the electron transition energy. The kinetic parameters such as order of reaction (n), energy of activation (Ea), entropy (ΔS#), pre‐exponential factor (A), enthalpy (ΔH#) and Gibbs free energy (ΔG#) have been reported. The antimicrobial activity of Clioquinol and Cu(II) heterochelates have been determined and described. All the heterochelates showed a more effective antimicrobial activity than the free ligand. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changes in the chemical structure and properties of a perfluorosulfonated acid membrane induced by fuel‐cell operation
Authors: Bas C. , Flandin L. , Danerol A.‐S. , Claude E. , Rossinot E. , Alberola N. D.
Published: April 2010

Changes in a perfluorosulfonated acid polymer membrane in membrane electrode assemblies were studied after different times under stationary conditions in fuel cells. A large series of characterizations demonstrated changes in the morphology, mechanical behavior, and thermal stability upon aging. Overall, the membrane evolution could be mainly attributed to both chemical degradation and cationic contamination. The reduction in the membrane thickness, detected by scanning electron microscopy, was ascribed to a radical unzipping mechanism and polymer chain erosion after 900 h in service. An additional monotonic decrease in the number of CtertiaryF groups was observed even at 400 h. In parallel, membranes were cation‐contaminated, and this led to drastic changes in the thermal and mechanical properties in the first stage of fuel‐cell operation. The pollution cations were shown to have Lewis acid strengths close to 0.25 and thus strongly interacted with sulfonate anions of the membrane. The kinetic dependence of these membrane modifications and the influence of the platinum band were also examined. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Preparation and characterization of polyethylene oxide (PEO)/gelatin blend for biomedical application: Effect of gamma radiation
Authors: Rahman Md. Arifur , Khan Mubarak A. , Tareq Shafi M.
Published: April 2010

polyethylene oxide (PEO)/gelatin blend membranes of four different compositions (w/w) (5/95, 10/90, 20/80, and 30/70) were prepared by solution casting. The films were irradiated by gamma radiation at a total dose of 250 krad (dose rate of 321 krad/h). The X‐ray diffractograms demonstrate both the PEO and radiation influences on the blend thus enhancing crystallinity of gelatin. X‐ray diffractograms of irradiated blend films containing 30% PEO showed highest integrated intensity. The DTA and TGA study showed that the irradiated blend films are more thermally stable than the non‐irradiated films. TMA study showed that the incorporation of PEO into gelatin increased melting point of the blend films. The melting point for irradiated gelatin film changes from 52.9°C to 75.6°C and the glass point changes from 60.3°C to 90.6°C. The phase separation and compatibility of the PEO/gelatin blend films were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The experimental results showed that the blend films exhibit higher thermal stability and improved mechanical properties in dry state, which suggests the occurrence of interaction detected by XRD and DTA among gelatin, PEO, and water molecules in the films. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Structural, morphological, thermal, and conductivity studies of magnesium ion conducting P(VdF‐HFP)‐based solid polymer electrolytes with good prospects
Authors: Ramesh S. , Lu Soon‐Chien
Published: April 2010

Solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) system purely based on poly(vinylidenefluoride‐hexafluoropropylene) [P(VdF‐HFP)] and magnesium trifluoromethanesulfonate (MgTf) has been synthesized via solution‐casting technique with acetone as solvent. Various instruments have been used to examine the structural, morphological, and thermal behaviors of the samples. X‐ray diffraction (XRD), horizontal attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (HATR‐FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) are utilized to study the conversion of crystalline to amorphous nature in the copolymer. The crystallinity of copolymer matrix has been shown to be greatly affected by incorporation of MgTf, even with low concentration and absence of plasticisers. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), and AC impedance spectroscopy further corroborate the findings. FTIR spectra suggest complexation has occurred between the constituents in these SPEs. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and DSC thermograms show some improvements in thermal behaviors upon the addition of MgTf. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Process vs resource‐oriented Petri net modeling of automated manufacturing systems
Authors: Wu NaiQi , Zhou MengChu
Published: April 2010

Since the 1980s, Petri nets (PN) have been widely used to model automated manufacturing systems (AMS) for analysis, performance evaluation, simulation, and control. They are mostly based on process‐oriented modeling methods and thus termed as process‐oriented PN (POPN) in this paper. The recent study of deadlock avoidance problems in AMS led to another type of PN called resource‐oriented PN (ROPN). This paper, for the first time, compares these two modeling methods and resultant models in terms of modeling power, model complexity for analysis and control, and some critical properties. POPN models the part production processes straightforwardly, while ROPN is more compact and effective for deadlock resolution. The relations between these two models are investigated. Several examples are used to illustrate them. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Non‐blocking decentralized control of discrete event systems based on Petri nets
Authors: Lu Feihua , Wu Weimin , Su Hongye , Chu Jian
Published: April 2010

The non‐blocking property of discrete event systems can formulate many practical and important properties of manufacturing systems, such as deadlock freeness, liveness and reversibility. But it is difficult to guarantee non‐blocking control. This paper presents a hybrid approach to decentralized control of discrete event systems. More generalized constraints are considered in this approach, which gives a graphical way of designing coordinators to keep the non‐blocking property of the closed‐loop system with decentralized supervisors. This approach also guarantees that the closed‐loop system is maximally permissive. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Stabilization of the Furuta Pendulum with backlash usingH∞‐LMI technique: experimental validation
Authors: Pujol Gisela , Acho Leonardo
Published: April 2010

The rotary inverted pendulum, also named Furuta Pendulum, has been studied extensively for control performance evaluation in under‐actuated mechanisms. TheH∞control invoking linear matrix inequality (H∞‐LMI) has been also widely employed for linear control design. This paper deals with the feasibility of theH∞‐LMI technique to stabilize the rotary inverted pendulum around its unstable equilibrium point when there exists a backlash nonlinearity in the actuator. So, theH∞‐LMI faces the nonlinear effect in the actuator and the non‐linear pendulum model. Experimental realization of the designedH∞‐LMI control also shows evidence of the good performance of the controller subject to external perturbation.

Copyright © 2010 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Long‐term trends of winter monsoon synoptic circulations over the maritime continent: 1962–2007
Authors: Juneng Liew , Tangang Fredolin T.
Published: April 2010

The present study examines the long‐term trends of the winter monsoon northeasterly cold surge and Borneo vortex over the South China Sea. There has been a significant increase in the frequency of the Borneo vortex within the study period of 1962–2007. The location of the center of the Borneo vortices has shifted slightly offshore; northward of western Borneo. This could result in less vortex–land interaction and lengthen the life span of the vortices due to less frictional shear and hence increase the vortex days. These changes could be related to the strengthened easterly component of the cold surge winds. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Bürohochhaus im Palais Quartier — ein besonderes Bauprojekt in der Innenstadt von Frankfurt/Main
Authors: Weischede Dietger , Stumpf Martin , Spreng Stefan
Published: April 2010

Dieser Beitrag geht auf die Planung und die Bauausführung des Bürohochhauses des “Palais Quartier” in der Innenstadt von Frankfurt am Main ein. Beschrieben werden die Konstruktion und der Bauablauf des 5‐geschossigen Kellerkastens und der Abfangung eines 12 m × 15 m großen Gebäudeteils sowie die Planung, im Speziellen die Verformungsuntersuchung für die Stahlbetonstützen.

Office Tower in the Palais Quartier — a special construction project in the city of Frankfurt/Main. This article covers the design and the construction of the office tower of the ”Palais Quartier“ in the city center of Frankfurt am Main. In the following, the structural design and the construction work of the 5 basement levels and the overhanging part of the building with dimensions 12 m × 15 m and 28 levels will be described. Finally, an analysis of the deformation of the columns will be presented.
Design, implementation, and dosimetry analysis of an S‐band waveguide in vitro system for the exposure of cell culture samples to pulsed fields
Authors: Varela José E. , Page Juan E. , Esteban Jaime
Published: April 2010

The interaction between electromagnetic fields and biological media, particularly regarding very high power, short pulses as in radar signals, is not a fully understood phenomenon. In the past few years, many in vitro, cellular communications‐oriented exposure studies have been carried out. This article presents a high‐power waveguide exposure system capable of dealing with monochromatic, multicarrier or pulsed signals between 1.8 and 3.2 GHz (L‐ and S‐band) with a pulse duration as low as 90 ns, minimum pulse repetition of 100 Hz, and maximum instantaneous power of 100 W. The setup is currently being used with a 2.2 GHz carrier modulated by 5 µs pulses with a 100 Hz repetition period and approximately 30 W of instantaneous power. After a worst‐case temperature analysis, which does not account for conduction and convection thermal effects, the experiment's exposure is considered sub‐thermal. Evaluation of the results through the specific absorption rate distribution is not considered sufficient enough in these cases. An electromagnetic field distribution analysis is needed. For monochromatic signals, the representation of the modulus of the electric and magnetic field components is proposed as a suitable method of assessment. Bioelectromagnetics 31:479–487, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Closed‐Loop Control of Reactive Crystallization. Part I: Supersaturation‐Controlled Crystallization of L‐Glutamic Acid
Authors: Alatalo H. M. , Hatakka H. , Louhi‐Kultanen M. , Kohonen J. , Reinikainen S.‐P.
Published: April 2010

The feedback control policy of the reactive crystallization process is studied. A concentration of a crystallizing compound is used to compute the feedback in the closed‐loop control of semi‐batch precipitation. The pH is used as a second feedback value, and the dynamic change of the set value is based on the mass of added acid. The concentration of L‐glutamic acid is determined from measured MID‐IR attenuated total reflection‐Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectra based on a multivariate model. The importance of the supersaturation level control at the nucleation moment and the effect of different supersaturation levels on the quality of the product crystals are studied by using a 50‐L crystallizer. The studied crystal properties of the product are polymorphism (reported metastable α‐ and stable β‐forms) and crystal size. The results show that the feedback process control system developed in this study makes it possible to control the formation of polymorphs effectively.
Closed‐Loop Control of Reactive Crystallization PART II: Polymorphism Control ofL‐Glutamic Acid by Sonocrystallization and Seeding
Authors: Hatakka H. , Alatalo H. , Louhi‐Kultanen M. , Lassila I. , Hæggström E.
Published: April 2010

The impact of different nucleation methods with controlled supersaturation on the polymorphism ofL‐glutamic acid crystals was studied in a 50 dm3semi‐batch crystallizer, in which 1.5 M H2SO4was fed into a 1.5 M monosodium glutamate solution. Supersaturation was controlled by a feedback loop based on measured ATR‐FTIR spectra and on a thermodynamic model developed in house.

Ultrasound‐initiated nucleation produced pure α‐polymorph (over 99.5 wt %) in the end product crystals at 1 mol/dm3supersaturation. Seeded crystallization also produced almost pure α‐polymorph crystals (over 93 wt %), whereas spontaneous nucleation produced a polymorph mixture (from 30–70 wt %) under the same operating conditions. This indicates that supersaturation‐controlled sonocrystallization can be used to control polymorphism in crystals. The novelty herein is the simplicity of the method directing the generation of a desired polymorph.
Gewinnung von fettreduziertem Erbsenprotein auf der Basis eines nasstechnischen Verfahrens zur Stärkeherstellung
Authors: Benecke C. , Graf A. , Beutel S. , Scheper T. , Lotz M.
Published: April 2010

Hohe Fettgehalte in Erbsenproteinprodukten führen zu einem raschen Verderb durch Autooxidation der enthaltenen Fettsäuren. Um den Fettgehalt in Erbsenprotein zu reduzieren, wurden drei Strategien evaluiert: Extraktion von Fett aus Erbsenmehl vor dem eigentlichen Gewinnungsprozess mit organischen Lösemitteln, thermische Vorbehandlung der getrockneten Erbsen und der Einsatz von Membranadsorbersystemen zur direkten Abtrennung des Proteins aus dem Prozesswasser der Stärkeherstellung. Durch Extraktion mit organischen Lösemitteln konnte der Fettgehalt im Erbsenprotein um 70 % gesenkt werden. Eine thermische Behandlung der Erbsen vor der Proteingewinnung führte dagegen nur zu einer minimalen Verringerung des Fettgehaltes um ca. 10 %. Der Einsatz von Membranadsorbern ist dazu geeignet, Erbsenprotein mit einem um 85 % verringerten Fettgehalt gegenüber herkömmlichen Methoden zu gewinnen. Im Unterschied zu dem gefällten Erbsenprotein ist das durch Membranadsorber gewonnene Protein vollständig wasserlöslich.
Prozessanalyse zum Einsatz von Membrantrennverfahren bei der Umesterung von Fettsäureestern
Authors: Koch K. , Kreis P. , Górak A. , Müller‐Meskamp S. , Wick A.
Published: April 2010

In dieser theoretischen Studie wird das Prozessverhalten membranunterstützter Reaktionsprozesse im Industriemaßstab am Beispiel einer Umesterung von Fettsäureestern untersucht. Für die Prozessanalyse werden detaillierte Modelle zur ereignisorientierten, dynamischen Simulation der Batchprozesse verwendet. Ein abschließender Vergleich mit einem konventionellen Herstellungsverfahren zeigt das große Potenzial der membranunterstützten Prozesse auf, die zur Steigerung der prozessintegrierten Energieeffizienz beitragen können.
Anorganisch gefälltes Kieselsäuregel, Teil 1: Bildungskinetik und Eigenschaften
Authors: Quarch K. , Kind M.
Published: April 2010

Gefällte Kieselsäure (SiO2) wird großindustriell durch die Vermischung einer Silikatlösung mit Säure in einem semi‐batch‐Verfahren hergestellt. Durch Polykondensation entstehen Partikel, die im weiteren Prozessverlauf agglomerieren. Intermediär kommt es zur Ausbildung eines Gels, das jedoch durch den mechanischen Energieeintrag eines Rührers sofort wieder fragmentiert wird. Durch eine Verdichtung dieser Fragmente entstehen die endgültigen Produktagglomerate. Ziel dieser Forschungsarbeit ist es, die Struktur und Größe der entstehenden Produktpartikel über die Prozessparameter zu steuern. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird an nicht gerührten Gelen untersucht, wie sich die Prozessparameter Zusammensetzung, Temperatur und Ionenstärke auf die Eigenschaften des Gels auswirken. Der Einfluss des Leistungseintrags durch den Rührer auf die Fragmentgröße wird im zweiten Teil der Serie [1] beschrieben.
Anorganisch gefälltes Kieselsäuregel, Teil 2: Fragmentierung durch mechanische Belastung
Authors: Quarch K. , Kind M.
Published: April 2010

Gefällte Kieselsäure (SiO2) wird großindustriell durch die Vermischung einer Silikatlösung mit Säure in einem semi‐batch‐Verfahren hergestellt. Durch Polykondensation entstehen Partikel, die im weiteren Prozessverlauf agglomerieren. Intermediär kommt es zur Ausbildung eines Gels, das jedoch durch den mechanischen Energieeintrag durch den Rührer sofort wieder fragmentiert wird. Durch eine Verdichtung dieser Fragmente entstehen die endgültigen Produktagglomerate. Ziel dieser Forschungsarbeit ist es, die Struktur und Größe der entstehenden Produktpartikel über die Prozessparameter zu steuern. Bei der vorliegenden Veröffentlichung geschieht dies über die Variation der Rührgeschwindigkeit. Dabei kann für unterschiedliche Fällungsparameter gezeigt werden, dass sich das Gel analog zu einer hochviskosen Flüssigkeit verhält. Entgegen der Erwartungen lässt sich die Fragmentgröße jedoch nicht reversibel über den Leistungseintrag einstellen. Der Einfluss der Prozessparameter auf die Festigkeit des Gels wurde im ersten Teil der Serie [1] beschrieben.
Histologic changes associated with false‐negative sentinel lymph nodes after preoperative chemotherapy in patients with confirmed lymph node‐positive breast cancer before treatment
Authors: Brown Alexandra S. , Hunt Kelly K. , Shen Jeannie , Huo Lei , Babiera Gildy V. , Ross Merrick I. , Meric‐Bernstam Funda , Feig Barry W. , Kuerer Henry M. , Boughey Judy C. , Ching Christine D. , Gilcrease Michael Z.
Published: April 2010

BACKGROUND:

A wide range of false‐negative rates has been reported for sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy after preoperative chemotherapy. The purpose of this study was to determine whether histologic findings in negative SLNs after preoperative chemotherapy are helpful in assessing the accuracy of SLN biopsy in patients with confirmed lymph node‐positive disease before treatment.

METHODS:

Eighty‐six patients with confirmed lymph node‐positive disease at presentation underwent successful SLN biopsy and axillary dissection after preoperative chemotherapy at a single institution between 1994 and 2007. Available hematoxylin and eosin‐stained sections from patients with negative SLNs were reviewed, and associations between histologic findings in the negative SLNs and SLN status (true negative vs false negative) were evaluated.

RESULTS:

Forty‐seven (55%) patients had at least 1 positive SLN, and 39 (45%) patients had negative SLNs. The false‐negative rate was 22%, and the negative predictive value was 67%. The negative SLNs from 17 of 34 patients with available slides had focal areas of fibrosis, some with associated foamy parenchymal histiocytes, fat necrosis, or calcification. These histologic findings occurred in 15 (65%) of 23 patients with true‐negative SLNs and in only 2 (18%) of 11 patients with false‐negative SLNs (P = .03, Fisher exact test, 2‐tailed). The lack of these histologic changes had a sensitivity and specificity for identifying a false‐negative SLN of 82% and 65%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

Absence of treatment effect in SLNs after chemotherapy in patients with lymph node‐positive disease at initial presentation has good sensitivity but low specificity for identifying a false‐negative SLN. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Imatinib front‐line therapy is safe and effective in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia with pre‐existing liver and/or renal dysfunction
Authors: Tong Wei‐Gang , Kantarjian Hagop , O'Brien Susan , Faderl Stefan , Ravandi Farhad , Borthakur Gautam , Shan Jianqin , Pierce Sherry , Rios Mary Beth , Cortes Jorge
Published: April 2010

BACKGROUND:

Imatinib 400 mg daily is the standard treatment for patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). The safety and efficacy of imatinib in CML patients with pre‐existing liver and/or renal dysfunction has not been analyzed.

METHODS:

The authors analyzed the outcome of 259 patients with early chronic phase CML treated with imatinib (starting dose 400 mg in 50, 800 mg in 209). Pre‐existing liver and/or renal dysfunction was seen in 38 (15%) and 11 (4%) patients, respectively.

RESULTS:

Dose reductions were required in 91 (43%) of 210 patients with normal organ function, compared with 8 (73%) of 11 (P = .065) with renal dysfunction, and 19 (50%) of 38 (P = .271) with liver dysfunction. Grade 3‐4 hematologic toxicities including anemia (29%, 10%, and 7% of patients with renal dysfunction, liver dysfunction, and normal organ function, respectively), neutropenia (57%, 30%, and 30%), and thrombocytopenia (43%, 30%, and 26%) were more frequent in patients with pre‐existing renal dysfunction treated with high‐dose imatinib. Grade 3‐4 nonhematologic toxicities were observed at similar frequencies. Complete cytogenetic response rates, event‐free survival, and overall survival were similar in all groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although patients with pre‐existing liver and/or renal dysfunction might have a higher rate of hematologic toxicity and require more frequent dose reductions, most patients can be adequately managed, resulting in response rates and survival similar to those without pre‐existing organ dysfunction. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Childhood cancer in relation to parental race and ethnicity
Authors: Chow Eric J. , Puumala Susan E. , Mueller Beth A. , Carozza Susan E. , Fox Erin E. , Horel Scott , Johnson Kimberly J. , McLaughlin Colleen C. , Reynolds Peggy , Von Behren Julie , Spector Logan G.
Published: April 2010

BACKGROUND:

Children of different racial/ethnic backgrounds have varying risks of cancer. However, to the authors' knowledge, few studies to date have examined cancer occurrence in children of mixed ancestry.

METHODS:

This population‐based case‐control study examined cancer among children aged <15 years using linked cancer and birth registry data from 5 US states from 1978 through 2004. Data were available for 13,249 cancer cases and 36,996 controls selected from birth records. Parental race/ethnicity was determined from birth records. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association of cancer with different racial/ethnic groups.

RESULTS:

Compared with whites, blacks had a 28% decreased risk of cancer (odds ratio [OR], 0.72; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.65‐0.80), whereas both Asians and Hispanics had an approximate 15% decrease. Children of mixed white/black ancestry also were found to be at decreased risk (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.56‐0.90), but estimates for mixed white/Asian and white/Hispanic children did not differ from those of whites. Compared with whites: 1) black and mixed white/black children had decreased ORs for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (OR, 0.39 [95% CI, 0.31‐0.49] and OR, 0.58 [95% CI, 0.37‐0.91], respectively); 2) Asian and mixed white/Asian children had decreased ORs for brain tumors (OR, 0.51 [95% CI, 0.39‐0.68] and OR, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.54‐1.16], respectively); and 3) Hispanic and mixed white/Hispanic children had decreased ORs for neuroblastoma (OR, 0.51 [95% CI, 0.42‐0.61] and OR, 0.67 [95% CI, 0.50‐0.90], respectively).

CONCLUSIONS:

Children of mixed ancestry tend to have disease risks that are more similar to those of racial/ethnic minority children than the white majority group. This tendency may help formulate etiologic studies designed to study possible genetic and environmental differences more directly. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.