bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Jealousy in the blink of an eye: Jealous reactions following subliminal exposure to rival characteristics
Authors: Massar Karlijn , Buunk Abraham P. , Dechesne Mark
Published: October 2008

In the present experiment it was investigated whether the evaluation of rivals could be an unconscious process, engaged in automatically whenever a rival is present. To this end, participants were subliminally primed with words relating to rival characteristics after which they read a jealousy inducing scenario and their jealousy was assessed. It was hypothesized that for women, their self‐reported mate value would act as a moderator on the effect the rival characteristics would have on jealousy. For men, it was expected that their satisfaction with their current relationship would act as a moderator. The results confirmed the expectations: women with low mate value reported more overall jealousy, but women with high mate value were more jealous after priming with attractiveness words. Men with high relationship satisfaction reported more overall jealousy than men with low relationship satisfaction, and especially after priming with social dominance words. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Discrete Euler processes and their applications
Authors: Vijverberg Chu‐Ping C. , Gray Henry L.
Published: October 2008

This paper introduces discrete Euler processes and shows their application in detecting and forecasting cycles in non‐stationary data where periodic behavior changes approximately linearly in time. A discrete Euler process becomes a classical stationary process if ‘time’ is transformed properly. By moving from one time domain to another, one may deform certain time‐varying data to non‐time‐varying data. With these non‐time‐varying data on the deformed timescale, one may use traditional tools to do parameter estimation and forecasts. The obtained results then can be transformed back to the original timescale. For datasets with an underlying discrete Euler process, the sample M‐spectrum and the spectra estimator of a Euler model (i.e., EAR spectral) are used to detect cycles of a Euler process. Beam response and whale data are used to demonstrate the usefulness of a Euler model. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pharmacological “cross‐inhibition” of connexin hemichannels and swelling activated anion channels
Authors: Ye Zu‐Cheng , Oberheim Nancyann , Kettenmann Helmut , Ransom Bruce R.
Published: October 2008

The study of ion channels has relied heavily on the use of pharmacological blocking agents. However, many of these agents have multiple effects, which may compromise interpretation of results when the affected mechanisms/pathways mediate similar functions. Volume regulated anion channels (VRAC) and connexin hemichannels can both mediate the release of glutamate and taurine, although these channels have distinct activation stimuli and hemichannels, but not VRAC, are permeable to Lucifer Yellow (LY). It has been reported that some anion channel blockers may inhibit connexin hemichannels. We further examined the effects of classic gap junction/hemichannel blockers and anion channel blockers on these channels. The typical VRAC blockers, NPPB, IAA‐94, and tamoxifen blocked low divalent cation‐induced glutamate and taurine release and LY loading, presumed due to hemichannel opening. The blocking action of these compounds on hemichannels was concentration dependent and fell within the same range where the drugs classically block VRACs. Conversely, carbenoxolone (CBX), the most widely used gap junction/hemichannel blocker, was an effective blocker of VRAC‐mediated glutamate and taurine release, and blocked these channels at similar concentrations at which it blocked hemichannels. The CBX effect on VRACs was verified using astrocytes from connexin 43 knock out (Cx43 KO) animals. In these cells, the hypotonic induced amino acid flux was retained whereas the low divalent cation solution‐induced flux was lost. These results extend our knowledge about “cross‐inhibition” of VRACs and gap junctions/hemichannels by certain pharmacological agents. Given the overlap in function of these two types of channels, great care must be exerted in using pharmacological blockers to identify one channel from the other. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Experimental study on the effects of blast‐cap configurations and charge patterns on coke descending in CDQ cooling shaft
Authors: Feng Y. H. , Zhang X. X. , Wu M. L.
Published: October 2008

The coke descending behavior in a CDQ cooling shaft is studied experimentally by means of a tracing method with a digital camera. For three different blast‐caps, the law of coke flow is studied under five conditions of coke charge. The experimental results show that, for the sake of the uniformity of the coke burden descending, a blast‐cap with elliptical cross‐section is a better choice than that with circular cross‐section regardless of high or low placement. A coke charge pattern with a flat top burden surface is preferable to that with peak‐valley surface, a double‐peak superior to a one‐peak. Trajectory and average velocity distribution of coke behavior are depend weakly on whether the coke is continuously fed or not as the discharging began. The blast‐caps have local effects on the descending coke and hardly affect whether the cokes flow smoothly or not in the case of coke burden with enough depth. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 37(6): 352– 358, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20212
Fluid flow and heat transfer of natural convection over upward‐facing, horizontal heated circular disks
Authors: Kitamura Kenzo , Kimura Fumiyoshi
Published: October 2008

Natural convective flows induced over upward‐facing, circular disks were investigated experimentally. The test disks were heated with uniform temperatures and their diameters were varied from 20 to 500 mm. The test fluid was air and water at room temperature. The flow fields over heated disks were visualized with dye and smoke. The results showed that the ambient fluid first enters the outer edge of the disk and, then, separates three‐dimensionally from the surface at certain distance downstream of the edge when the Rayleigh numbers exceed certain critical values. The separated flow is gradually distorted and a fully turbulent state is accomplished in the central portion of the disk. It was found that the onset and the pitches of the separation points could be predicted with the Rayleigh numbers. The overall Nusselt numbers of the disks were also measured in a wide range of Rayleigh numbers from 2 × 105 to 3 × 1010. The results showed almost identical Nusselt numbers between air and water. Based on these results, empirical equations for the overall Nusselt numbers were proposed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 37(6): 339– 351, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20215
Authentic leadership as a pathway to positive health
Authors: Macik‐Frey Marilyn , Quick James Campbell , Cooper Cary L.
Published: October 2008

We propose to bridge the domains of positive health and leadership. We suggest that a “positive” health model helps explain highly effective leadership. The leader must strive for health and facilitate health in his/her followers. We look at leadership through this new and positive lens, that of “positive” health promotion. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Getting even with one's supervisor and one's organization: relationships among types of injustice, desires for revenge, and counterproductive work behaviors
Authors: Jones David A.
Published: October 2008

I tested hypotheses derived from the agent–system model of justice specifying that, among the different types of justice, interpersonal and informational justice explain the most unique variance in counterproductive work behavior (CWB) directed toward one's supervisor, and procedural justice explains the most unique variance in CWB directed toward one's organization. I also tested whether individuals' desires for revenge against one's supervisor and one's organization mediate certain justice–CWB relationships. Results (N = 424) provided considerable support for the study hypotheses, showing that employees tend to direct their CWB toward the source of perceived mistreatment, and that desires for revenge explain part, but not all, of the relationships between some types of injustice and CWB. Implications for theory, research, and practice are discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development and validation of an objective intra‐organizational career success measure for managers
Authors: Dries Nicky , Pepermans Roland , Hofmans Joeri , Rypens Laura
Published: October 2008

This study aimed to develop and validate a new objective measure of intra‐organizational career success, that is the Managerial Career Success Measure (MCSM). Although there has been a recent emphasis in the careers literature on the subjective career, there is still a need for a valid operationalization of ‘traditional’, objective career success as this construct is still considered relevant by many occupational and national groups; furthermore, many studies continue to use objective career success as a (dependent) variable. With regard to content validity, it appears that the measure that was developed incorporates some elements of the commonly used measures of objective career success (i.e. managerial level, number of promotions, salary and salary progression) while steering clear of some of the issues with each of them separately. Concurrent and discriminant validity were explored by analysing data from three empirical studies that were carried out in a large heterogeneous managerial population (N = 1101). Results indicate that the MCSM displays higher levels of content and construct validity than do other, commonly used measures of objective career success. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SVET study of the corrosion protection of electrodeposited Zn and Zn‐Co‐Fe alloy coated steels
Authors: Lodhi Z. F. , Zhan H. , Mol J. M. C. , Terryn H. , de Wit J. H. W.
Published: October 2008

The scanning vibrating electrode technique (SVET) was applied to study the corrosion resistance of partially coated (Zn and various Zn‐Co‐Fe alloys) and partially exposed steel samples in 10 mM NaCl solution. The sacrificial properties and the protection range decreases with increase in Co content in the alloy. For high Co content in the alloy, the coating becomes more noble to steel and loses its sacrificial protection. The barrier resistance of the coatings increases with the increase in Co content in the alloy coating. Zn‐Co‐Fe alloys with high Co content (i.e., 32 wt% Co and 1 wt% Fe) showed excellent barrier properties due to passivation after dezincification protecting the underlying steel. An intermediate region of compositions can be distinguished in which the coatings provide a good combination of sacrificial and barrier resistance properties and also a reasonable protection range.
Potential high temperature corrosion problems due to co‐firing of biomass and fossil fuels
Authors: Montgomery M. , Vilhelmsen T. , Jensen S. A.
Published: October 2008

Over the past few years, considerable high temperature corrosion problems have been encountered when firing biomass in power plants due to the high content of potassium chloride in the deposits. Therefore, to combat chloride corrosion problems co‐firing of biomass with a fossil fuel has been undertaken. This results in potassium chloride being converted to potassium sulphate in the combustion chamber and it is sulphate rich deposits that are deposited on the vulnerable metallic surfaces such as high temperature superheaters. Although this removes the problem of chloride corrosion, other corrosion mechanisms appear such as sulphidation and hot corrosion due to sulphate deposits. At Studstrup power plant Unit 4, based on trials with exposure times of 3000 h using 0–20% straw co‐firing with coal, the plant now runs with a fuel mix of 10% straw + coal. Based on results from a 3 years exposure in this environment, the internal sulphidation is much more significant than that revealed in the demonstration project. Avedøre 2 main boiler is fuelled with wood pellets + heavy fuel oil + gas. Some reaction products resulting from the presence of vanadium compounds in the heavy oil were detected, i.e. iron vanadates. However, the most significant corrosion attack was sulphidation attack at the grain boundaries of 18‐8 steel after 3 years exposure. The corrosion mechanisms and corrosion rates are compared with biomass firing and coal firing. Potential corrosion problems due to co‐firing biomass and fossil fuels are discussed.
The effect of phosphate on MAO of AZ91D magnesium using AC power source
Authors: Wen Q. , Cao F.‐H. , Shi Y.‐Y. , Zhang Z. , Zhang J.‐Q.
Published: October 2008

A rapid and convenient anodization technology with AC power source to obtain the MAO films formed on magnesium alloy AZ91D in phosphate bath (base electrolyte + Na3PO4) with or without aluminate and silicate was studied. The corrosion resistance of the anodic films was studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization techniques and the microstructure and composition of films were examined by SEM and XRD. The results show that Na3PO4can promote the occurrence of sparking during the MAO process, while abundant heat generated by sparking might enhance the formation of the glassy phase of the compound when the electrolyte contains the additives of NaAlO2and Na2SiO3simultaneously. The optimized MAO film is ivory‐white smooth by naked eye, while presents porous and microcracks in microscopic scale. The anodic film formed in the alkaline solution with optimized parameters possesses superior corrosion resistance by electrochemical test. The XRD pattern shows that the components of the anodized film consist of MgO, MgAlO2, and MgSiO3. No oxide crystal with P element can be found.
Positive periodic solutions and eigenvalue intervals for systems of second order differential equations
Authors: Chu Jifeng , Chen Hao , O'Regan Donal
Published: October 2008

In this paper, we employ a well‐known fixed point theorem for cones to study the existence of positive periodic solutions to the n ‐dimensional system x ″ + A (t)x = H (t)G (x). Moreover, the eigenvalue intervals for x ″ + A (t)x = λH (t)G (x) are easily characterized. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
On a class of bounded trajectories for some non‐autonomous systems
Authors: Gavioli A. , Sanchez L.
Published: October 2008

We prove, by variational arguments, the existence of a solution to the boundary value problem in the half line

equation image

where c ≥ 0 and a belongs to a certain class of positive functions. The existence of such a solution in the case c = 0 means that the system (0.1) behaves in significantly different way from its autonomous counterpart. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
On the degree of commutativity of p ‐groups of maximal class
Authors: Vera–López A. , Arregi J.M. , Jaikin–Zapirain A.
Published: October 2008

Let G be a p ‐group of maximal class of order pm , p ≠ 2, and c (G) the degree of commutativity of G. Let c0 be the nonnegative residue of c modulo p – 1. In this paper, by using only Lie algebra techniques, we prove that 2c ≥ m – 2p + c 0 + 1. Also, we give examples of Lie algebras satisfying the following equalities:

equation image

In addition, there exist examples of p ‐groups of maximal class satisfying 2c = m – 2p + c0 + 3 for each c0 ∈ [2, p – 2] (see [6, Theorem 4.5]). (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The forwarding indices of wrapped butterfly networks
Authors: Hou Xinmin , Xu Jun‐Ming , Xu Min
Published: October 2008

Let G be a connected graph. A routing in G is a set of fixed paths for all ordered pairs of vertices in G. The forwarding index of G is the minimum of the largest number of paths specified by a routing passing through any vertex of G taken over all routings in G. This article investigates the forwarding index of a wrapped butterfly graph, determines the exact value for the directed case, and gives an upper bound for undirected case. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2009
Matchings in connection with ground delay program planning
Authors: Ball Michael , Dahl Geir , Vossen Thomas
Published: October 2008

In this article we analyze certain matching problems that arise in ground delay program planning. Ground delay programs are air traffic flow management initiatives put in place when airport arrival demand is expected to exceed arrival capacity for an extended length of time, e.g. 4 h. Most of the problems we study can be modeled as assignment problems, where flights are assigned to arrival slots. In the context we analyze, however, these problems have important special structure, which allows us to develop special solution properties. In particular, solutions are measured both in terms of efficiency (delay minimization) and equity (delay distribution). We show that the theory of majorization provides a powerful tool in addressing solution equity. We consider problems with flight deletions and develop special solution properties and parametric methods. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2009
A linear‐time algorithm for broadcast domination in a tree
Authors: Dabney John , Dean Brian C. , Hedetniemi Stephen T.
Published: October 2008

The broadcast domination problem is a variant of the classical minimum dominating set problem in which a transmitter of power p at vertex v is capable of dominating (broadcasting to) all vertices within distance p from v. Our goal is to assign a broadcast power f(v) to every vertex v in a graph such that ΣvεVf(v) is minimized, and such that every vertex u with f(u) = 0 is within distance f(v) of some vertex v with f(v)> 0. The problem is solvable in polynomial time on a general graph (Heggernes and Lokshtanov, Disc Math (2006), 3267–3280) and Blair et al. (Congr. Num. (2004), 55–77.) gave an O(n2) algorithm for trees. In this article, we provide an O(n) algorithm for trees. Our algorithm is notable due to the fact that it makes decisions for each vertex v based on “nonlocal” information from vertices far away from v, whereas almost all other linear‐time algorithms for trees only make use of local information. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2009
Evaluations on the miscibility of the mixtures of poly(2,6‐dimethyl‐1,4‐phenylene oxide) and a copolyester of bisphenol‐A
Authors: Sakar Dolunay , Cankurtaran Ozlem , Karaman Ferdane
Published: October 2008

Inverse gas chromatography (IGC) was used to analyze the miscibility of binary mixtures of poly(2,6‐dimethyl‐1,4‐phenylene oxide) (PPO) and a copolyester of bisphenol‐A with terephthalic and isophthalic acids (50/50) (PAr) in three compositions. The glass transition temperature (Tg) was determined from the slope change on the retention diagrams of some solvents on the polymers and their binary mixtures. Single Tgs of the mixtures suggested that PAr and PPO are miscible. Separately, IGC data were used to determine the solvent‐independent polymer–polymer interaction parameters of the binary mixtures above their Tgs by means of some methods proposed by several authors. The magnitudes of the interaction parameters and shifting of ester carbonyl peak of PAr on the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra suggested that these polymers were miscible. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of liquid crystalline moiety containing N‐cyclohexylmaleimide copolymers
Authors: Yuksel M. , Canak T. Cakir , Serhatli I. E.
Published: October 2008

Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) was applied to copolymerize liquid crystalline acrylate (6‐(4‐cyanobiphenyl‐4′‐oxy)hexyl acrylate) (LC6) monomer and N‐cyclohexylmaleimide (NCMI) monomer. Copolymerization of LC6 and NCMI in the presence of Cu(I)Br/N, N, N′, N′′, N′′‐pentamethyldiethylene‐triamine (PMDETA) catalyst system using anisole as a solvent at 110°C initiated by 2‐bromopropionyl bromide afforded well‐defined copolymers. In addition, free radical polymerization (FRP) was applied using 2,2′‐azodiisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as an initiator in toluene at 70°C for the same monomers. The influences of several factors such as monomer ratio and time on the copolymerization, spectral, and thermal properties of resultant copolymers were investigated. The glass transition temperature and thermal stabilities of the copolymers were increased by increasing the N‐substituted maleimide (N‐cyclohexylmaleimide) content. As a result, thermally stable liquid crystalline alternating copolymers were synthesized by introducing maleimide segments into the polymer. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Triplex protein quantification based on stable isotope labeling by peptide dimethylation applied to cell and tissue lysates
Authors: Boersema Paul J. , Aye Thin Thin , van Veen Toon A. B. , Heck Albert J. R. , Mohammed Shabaz
Published: October 2008

Stable isotope labeling is at present one of the most powerful methods in quantitative proteomics. Stable isotope labeling has been performed at both the protein as well as the peptide level using either metabolic or chemical labeling. Here, we present a straightforward and cost‐effective triplex quantification method that is based on stable isotope dimethyl labeling at the peptide level. Herein, all proteolytic peptides are chemically labeled at their α‐ and ϵ‐amino groups. We use three different isotopomers of formaldehyde to enable the parallel analysis of three different samples. These labels provide a minimum of 4 Da mass difference between peaks in the generated peptide triplets. The method was evaluated based on the quantitative analysis of a cell lysate, using a typical “shotgun” proteomics experiment. While peptide complexity was increased by introducing three labels, still more than 1300 proteins could be identified using 60 μg of starting material, whereby more than 600 proteins could be quantified using at least four peptides per protein. The triplex labeling was further utilized to distinguish specific from aspecific cAMP binding proteins in a chemical proteomics experiment using immobilized cAMP. Thereby, differences in abundance ratio of more than two orders of magnitude could be quantified.
Study on the addition of nonmetal interstitial atoms to the yttrium lattice: formation of YBx, YCx and YNx alloys
Authors: Soto Gerardo , Moreno‐Armenta Maria G. , Reyes‐Serrato Armando
Published: October 2008

Yttrium is a rather rare and reactive met al. Due to these characteristics it absorbs important quantities of light atoms in its void spaces. Here, we present a study where B, C and N atoms are gradually incorporated into the octahedral interstices of Y. The idea is to model, by first‐principles calculations in a supercell approach, several stages of nonmetal assimilation in the yttrium lattice. In this case to develop YBx, YCx and YNx alloys. This study is limited to the cubic close‐packed stacking of Y and chemical compositions in the 0 ≤ x ≤ 1 range. We found that the studied alloys become thermodynamically favored. The cohesive energies improve with the addition of the nonmetal atoms. Besides, the cell volume and the bulk modulus vary differently for each kind of added atom. We come upon the fact that the ratio between cohesive energy and cell volume is strikingly better for YNx. We conclude that these alloys permit a remarkable degree of modulation in their properties and electronic structures by means of chemical composition. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Time‐dependent suppression of current through molecular junctions
Authors: Li GuangQi , Schreiber Michael , Kleinekathöfer Ulrich
Published: October 2008

Using a quantum master equation the electron transport through a molecular junction modeled by a single site weakly coupled to two leads is investigated under the influence of a time‐dependent external field. Extending an earlier study [Europhys. Lett. 79, 27006 (2007)] the effect of the laser field amplitude is analyzed in detail. The phenomenon of coherent destruction of tunneling is only obtained for small bias voltages. This is because the current through just one channel can be suppressed by the coherent destruction of tunneling. As soon as other channels are open either because of electron–electron interaction or because of the appearance of virtual photon‐assisted states, a non‐vanishing current can be observed. For time‐dependent laser fields the actual value of the envelope function of the field determines whether the current can be suppressed coherently when bias voltage and electron interaction are in the desired parameter range. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effects of inter‐site interaction on the exciton Mott transition in the extended attractive Hubbard model
Authors: Ohashi Takuma , Tomio Yuh , Ogawa Tetsuo
Published: October 2008

We investigate the effects of the inter‐site interactions on the exciton Mott transition using the extended Hubbard model for the electron–hole systems, which incorporates both repulsive (electron–electron and hole–hole) and attractive (electron–hole) inter‐site interactions in addition to the on‐site Hubbard interactions. The analysis by means of the extended dynamical mean‐field theory clarifies that the inter‐site interactions do not change the nature of the exciton Mott transition in high dimensions but tend to stabilize the metallic electron–hole plasma state, when the inter‐site repulsive and attractive interactions have the same strength. In contrast, we find that small difference between the repulsive and attractive interactions dramatically changes the electronic states. This small perturbation strongly enhances fluctuations of the mass density, and drives the system to the insulator with the strong fluctuations of the mass density wave. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Low positive thermal expansion in HfMgMo3O12
Authors: Marinkovic B. A. , Jardim P. M. , Ari M. , Avillez R. R. de , Rizzo F. , Ferreira F. F.
Published: October 2008

In the search for materials with negative thermal expansion, the HfMgMo3O12 phase has been synthesized and characterized for the first time. It is established that this phase belongs to a new class of ceramics with the general formula A4+B2+M6+3O12 that crystallizes in orthorhombic symmetry of space group Pnma (62) or Pna21 (33). No evidence is observed for any phase transition of orthorhombic HfMgMo3O12 through differential scanning calorimetry and high‐temperature X‐ray diffraction measurements in the investigated temperature range (298–1013 K). This new phase exhibits unusually low thermal expansion (αl = 1.02 × 10−6 K−1) as determined by high‐temperature X‐ray diffraction using a synchrotron source. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Mechanochemistry in preparation of nanocrystalline semiconductors
Authors: Baláž P. , Pourghahramani P. , Dutková E. , Turianicová E. , Kováč J. , Šatka A.
Published: October 2008

In recent years nanocrystalline semiconductors (QD) have attached much attention due to their great potential in technological applications. Electronic, optical and other properties of QD with respect to corresponding bulk materials are modified considerably, offering a number of potential applications in semiconductor and other industries. Nanophases have been synthesized by a number of techniques starting from vapour phase (i. e. inert gas condensation), liquid phase (i.e. rapid sodification) and solid state. The technique starting from solid state applies mechanochemical approach where synthesis is performed by solid state reactions in high‐energy mills. We have developed the mechanochemical route to produce nanocrystalline semiconductors applying high‐energy milling of metal acetates with sodium sulphide. The main advantage of this route is that it is “a quantity process” permitting kilogram quantities of nanomaterials to be produced at an ambient temperatures in a very short processing time. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Classification and Quantification of the Toxicity of Chemicals to Guppy, Fathead Minnow and Rainbow Trout: Part 1. Nonpolar Narcosis Mode of Action
Authors: Raevsky Oleg A. , Grigor'ev Veniamin Yu. , Weber Eric E. , Dearden John C.
Published: October 2008

Discrimination of the acute toxicity of chemicals to guppy (Poecilia reticulata), fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) with nonpolar narcosis and other Modes Of Action (MOA) was successfully carried out by means of discrimination analysis and structural similarity analysis. Good QSARs for acute aquatic toxicity of chemicals with nonpolar narcosis MOA for the three fish species were constructed, based on molecular polarizability and H‐bond acceptor factors calculated by the HYBOT program. These latter relationships are useful alternatives to QSARs based on the experimental parameter log Ko/w because they yield good statistics and because they are amenable to physicochemical interpretation. In this case, the acute aquatic toxicity of chemicals with nonpolar MOA is presented as the result of two contributions (molecular polarizability, which is volume‐related, and hydrogen bonding) with opposite action: molecular polarizability increases acute nonpolar narcosis toxicity and H‐bond acceptor ability decreases it.
Surface properties of polypropylene following a novel industrial surface‐treatment process
Authors: Awaja Firas , Gilbert Michael , Kelly Georgina , Fox Bronwyn , Brynolf Russell , Pigram Paul J.
Published: October 2008

Polypropylene (PP) is used in many automotive applications where good paint adhesion is of primary importance. PP is widely known for its low surface energy which impacts negatively on its adhesion strength. PP surfaces were modified using a new industrial surface‐treatment process known as the Accelerated Thermo‐molecular adhesion Process (ATmaP). ATmaP grafts functional groups to the polymer surface derived from an atomised and vapourised nitrogen‐containing coupling agent. The surface properties and adhesion performance of PP samples treated using the ATmaP process and two different flame processes were compared using XPS, time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) and mechanical testing (pull‐up tests). The latter showed that ATmaP improved adhesion strength significantly in comparison with conventional flame treatments. XPS showed an increase in oxygen and nitrogen concentration on the surface of ATmaP‐treated samples compared with untreated and flame‐treated samples. Principal components analysis (PCA) of the ToF‐SIMS data revealed the major phenomena occurring during the surface treatment of PP samples. Early stage events, including the chain scission of the PP backbone chain and the subsequent reaction of these chains with the surrounding air, are captured by the first principal component (PC1). The increase in the concentration of NO surface functional groups resulting from ATmaP treatment is captured by the second principal component (PC2). Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of Ar/H/N‐ion bombardment on the surface free energy and friction behavior of the fullerene‐like hydrogenated carbon (FL‐C:H) film
Authors: Wang Xia , Wang Peng , Mu Bo , Yang Shengrong , Zhang Junyan
Published: October 2008

The surface modification of the fullerene‐like hydrogenated carbon (FL‐C:H) film was achieved by bombardment using Ar, H, and N ions, respectively. A systematic comparison of X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transformation infrared(FTIR) spectra was made between the FL‐C:H film and ion‐bombarded films. The results show that ion bombardment resulted in the increase of sp3 C content, specially, new CN bonds were formed for N‐ion‐bombarded film. The contact angle (CA) and friction coefficient of those films were measured. The surface free energy evaluated from the contact angle increased for ion‐bombarded films, and the most obvious increase was obtained for N‐ion‐bombarded film. The friction coefficient decreased for H‐ion‐bombarded film whereas it increased for N‐ion‐bombarded film, and the friction coefficient of Ar‐ion‐bombarded film was close to that of the FL‐C:H film. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The development of standards and guides for multivariate analysis in surface chemical analysis
Authors: Lee J. L. S. , Tyler B. J. , Wagner M. S. , Gilmore I. S. , Seah M. P.
Published: October 2008

The surface chemical analysis community is forging new initiatives to develop clear standards and guides for their use of multivariate mathematical methods. In this short communication, we briefly outline three of these initiatives: the development of an ISO standard terminology for multivariate analysis, the development of an ISO guide for the use of multivariate analysis, and the organisation of an international multivariate analysis workshop. This will accelerate the progress in this field and ensure the widest uptake and impact of these useful methods. © Crown copyright 2008. Reproduced with the permission of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of the description of the target energy‐loss function on the energy loss of swift projectiles
Authors: Denton Cristian D. , Abril Isabel , Garcia‐Molina Rafael , Moreno‐Marín Juan C. , Heredia‐Avalos Santiago
Published: October 2008

The optical energy‐loss function (ELF) of Au and Al, obtained from experiments, is extended to finite wavenumber k using three different widely used models, namely, with the Mermin type ELFs with generalized oscillator strengths (MELF‐GOS) model, the extended Drude model and the Penn model. The resulting ELFs show important differences but the MELF‐GOS model gives more realistic results when compared with the available experimental ELFs for finite k. These differences affect calculations of important parameters in projectile‐solid interaction. The calculated stopping power and energy‐loss straggling of Au and Al for H projectiles as well as the corresponding inelastic mean free path (IMFP) of electrons in Au and Al clearly show that the results depend on the model used for the ELF description. Comparison with experimental data gives support to the MELF‐GOS model, especially in a material with a complex energy‐loss spectrum such as Au. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamics of spin exchange in alkali atom‐surface scattering
Authors: Hirose Eiji , Torikai Eiko
Published: October 2008

We have investigated spin dependencies of the survival probability of spin‐polarized alkali atom (K, Rb, Cs) scattered at model target surfaces Fe(001) in the resonant charge transfer process. The difference between majority and minority surface spin densities of states is theoretically taken into account. The survival probability of atoms with spin polarization along majority spins increases drastically against decreasing the interaction time across the lifetime of atomic level, while that with spin polarization along majority spin remains negligibly small. The result strongly suggests that the spin‐polarized atom‐surface scattering method is quite sensitive to the spin density of states (DOS) above the Fermi energy of a metallic surface, that are hard to access in conventional methods. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Size‐ and Shape‐Controlled Conversion of Tungstate‐Based Inorganic–Organic Hybrid Belts to WO3 Nanoplates with High Specific Surface Areas
Authors: Chen Deliang , Gao Lian , Yasumori Atsuo , Kuroda Kazuyuki , Sugahara Yoshiyuki
Published: October 2008

Two‐dimensional monoclinic WO3 nanoplates with high specific surface areas are synthesized through a novel conversion process using tungstate‐based inorganic–organic hybrid micro/nanobelts as precursors. The process developed involves a topochemical transformation of tungstate‐based inorganic–organic hybrid belts into WO3 nanoplates via an intermediate product of H2WO4 nanoplates, utilizing the similarity of the WO octahedral layers in both H2WO4 and WO3. The as‐obtained WO3 nanoplates show a single‐crystalline nanostructure with the smallest side along the [001] direction. The WO3 nanoplates are 200–500 nm × 200–500 nm × 10–30 nm in size, and their specific surface areas are up to 180 m2 g−1. Photocatalytic measurements of visible‐light‐driven oxidation of water for O2 generation in the presence of Ag+ ions indicate that the activity of the as‐obtained WO3 nanoplates is one order of magnitude higher than that of commercially available WO3 powders.
Improvement of spatial resolution of µ‐XRF by using a thin metal filter
Authors: Nakano Kazuhiko , Matsuda Akinori , Nodera Yuta , Tsuji Kouichi
Published: October 2008

An improvement of spatial resolution of µ‐XRF by using a thin metal filter was investigated. The size of the x‐ray beam focused by the polycapillary x‐ray lens depended on the energy of the characteristic x‐rays. Original spot sizes at the focal point were 48 µm for CrKα, 41 µm for NiKα, and 28 µm for MoKα, respectively. To make the x‐ray beam size small, TiCu thin foil was placed between the output of the lens and the focal point as a metal filter to reduce the continuous x‐rays. Finally, the x‐ray microbeam size was improved to 30 µm by applying a filter. Clear 2D mapping images of Cr, Fe, and Ni in 300‐mesh stainless steel could be obtained by applying this filter. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of homemade x‐ray polycapillaries
Authors: Pérez Roberto D. , Sánchez Héctor J. , Rubio Marcelo , Pérez Carlos A.
Published: October 2008

The possibilities of performing non‐destructive elemental microanalysis with synchrotron radiation by means of homemade polycapillary optics are described. Using fiber glass technology, monolithic polycapillary half‐lenses were made by drawing packages of glass capillaries at high temperature in a heating furnace. The performance of polycapillary half‐lenses with different geometries was evaluated. A gold knife‐edge scanned at the output of the lenses was used to determine the spot size at different distances. Measurements of photon flux impinging on the entrance end of the lenses and photon flux leaving the lenses were used to obtain the transmission efficiency. The polycapillary half‐lens made in our laboratory was used in a series of XRF microanalysis tests using white beam. The overall efficiency of the system was studied by means of establishing detection limits for various elements in an organic sample. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Species identification, molecular sexing and genotyping using non‐invasive approaches in two wild bovids species: Bos gaurus and Bos javanicus
Authors: Rivière‐Dobigny Taiana , Doan Lan Pham , Quang Nam Le , Maillard Jean‐Charles , Michaux Johan
Published: October 2008

Since the second Indochina war, habitat destruction and overhunting has resulted in fragmentation of the remaining populations of Bos javanicus and B. gaurus. Nowadays, both species are in serious danger, especially the gaur. In Vietnam, where these species have become almost impossible to capture in the wild, non‐invasive investigations are the only feasible approach to obtain data on populations. However, non‐invasive derived DNA, especially in tropical areas, is usually characterized by low concentrations, poor quality and/or contamination from alien DNA. To assist in tropical conservation management, baseline information is provided here on assessing the reliability of species identification, molecular sexing and microsatellite genotyping using fecal DNA from B. gaurus and B. javanicus. For species identification using bovine fecal samples, cytochrome b fragment between positions 867 and 1140 was found to contain species diagnostic sites, which distinguishes the four species encountered in the region: B. gaurus, B. indicus, B. javanicus and B. taurus. For sex determination, primers were initially tested on DNA obtained from blood. Then, these primers were successfully used on DNA derived from fecal material. Finally, we also evaluate the feasibility of non‐invasive microsatellite genotyping on fecal samples collected in Vietnamese nature reserves. The results presented here improve on current molecular methods based on fecal material obtained from tropical areas. Zoo Biol 28:127–136, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Romantic attraction and conflict negotiation among late adolescent and early adult romantic couples
Authors: Shulman Shmuel , Mayes Linda C. , Cohen Tiffany H. , Swain James E. , Leckman James F.
Published: October 2008

In a sample of 35 couples (college students, aged 18–24) who were dating for no longer than six months, each partner was given a semi‐structured interview to assess the nature and intensity of romantic preoccupation with his or her lover. In addition, partners were jointly given a revealed differences task in which they were asked to discuss the issue of their highest disagreement and to arrive at an agreement. Findings suggested that higher levels of romantic preoccupation are related to partners’ inclination to downplay their disagreement and to negotiate their differences less successfully. The same assessment six weeks later showed that where levels of romantic preoccupation among romantic partners stayed stable, the partners showed an increasing capability to recognize and face their disagreements and even a tendency to better negotiate disagreements started to emerge. Findings of this study suggest that two processes operate within a bond between romantic partners. The first process refers to the attraction or preoccupation between partners and the second refers to the quality of conflict negotiation that evolves over time. Where at the initial stage of a romantic bond the attraction process overshadows partners’ ability to acknowledge and deal with differences, the two processes develop differently over time.
Adequate energy‐protein intake is not enough to improve nutritional and metabolic status in muscle‐depleted patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Aquilani Roberto , Opasich Cristina , Gualco Alessandra , Verri Manuela , Testa Amidio , Pasini Evasio , Viglio Simona , Iadarola Paolo , Pastoris Ornella , Dossena Maurizia , Boschi Federica
Published: October 2008

Background:

An adequate energy‐protein intake (EPI) when combined with amino acid supplementation may have a positive impact nutritional and metabolic status in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).

Methods and results:

Thirty eight stable CHF patients (27 males, 73.5±4 years; BMI 22.5±1.4 kg/m2), with severe depletion of muscle mass and were randomised to oral supplements of essential amino acids 8 g/day (EAA group; n=21) or no supplements (controls; n=17). patients had adequate EPI (energy ≥ 30 kcal/kg; proteins >1.1 g/kg). At baseline and 2‐months after randomisation, the patients underwent metabolic (plasma lactate, pyruvate concentration; serum insulin level; estimate of insulin resistance by HOMA index), nutritional (measure of nitrogen balance), and functional (exercise test, walking test) evaluations.

Body weight increased by >1 kg in 80% of supplemented patients (mean 2.96 kg) and in 30% of controls (mean 2.3 kg) (interaction <0.05). Changes in arm muscle area, nitrogen balance, and HOMA index were similar between the two treatment groups.

Plasma lactate and pyruvate levels increased in controls (p<0.01 for both) but decreased in the supplemented group (p<0.01 and 0.02 respectively). EAA supplemented patients but not controls improved both exercise output and peak oxygen consumption and walking test.

Conclusions:

Adequate EPI when combined with essential amino acid supplementation may improve nutritional and metabolic status in most muscle‐depleted CHF patients.
Prevention of the cytopathic effect induced by Clostridium difficile Toxin B by active Rac1
Authors: Halabi-Cabezon Ismael , Huelsenbeck Johannes , May Martin , Ladwein Markus , Rottner Klemens , Just Ingo , Genth Harald
Published: October 2008

Clostridium difficile Toxin B (TcdB) glucosylates low molecular weight GTP‐binding proteins of the Rho subfamily and thereby causes actin re‐organization (cell rounding). This “cytopathic effect” has been generally attributed to RhoA inactivation. Here we show that cells expressing non‐glucosylatable Rac1‐Q61L are protected from the cytopathic effect of TcdB. In contrast, cells expressing RhoA‐Q63L or mock‐transfected cells are fully susceptible for the cytopathic effect of TcdB. These findings are extended to the Rac1/RhoG mimic IpgB1 and the RhoA mimic IpgB2 from Shigella. Ectopic expression of IpgB1, but not IpgB2, counteracts the cytopathic effect of TcdB. These data strongly suggest that Rac1 rather than RhoA glucosylation is critical for the cytopathic effect of TcdB.
The effects of interorganizational governance on supplier's compliance with SCC: An empirical examination of compliant and non‐compliant suppliers
Authors: Jiang Bin
Published: October 2008

Often, there is a huge gap between the requirements of the Supplier Codes of Conduct (SCC) imposed by buyers from advanced economies and actual compliance with SCC in developing countries. It is difficult for reseachers to reach suppliers who have violated SCC, especially within a large sample, because few disclose SCC violations to the public. In this paper, however, we identified 108 non‐compliant Chinese apparel and textile suppliers. Through the investigation of these non‐compliant suppliers and their compliant peers, this paper tests the impacts of antecedent factors (price pressure, production complexity, and contract duration) and buyer's governance mechanisms (peer‐to‐peer and buyer‐to‐supplier) on the likelihood of a supplier's compliance with SCC. While the buyer‐to‐supplier governance does not show significant effects, the peer‐to‐peer governance demonstrates the likelihood of supplier's commitment to SCC. This research reveals that if buyer's governance efforts move away from threat and toward cooperation, supplier's compliance with SCC could be more sustainable.
The Conquered Women of Cacaxtla
Authors: McCafferty Sharisse D. , McCafferty Geoffrey G.
Published: October 2008

The vividly painted “Battle Mural” of Cacaxtla (Tlaxcala, Mexico) depicts the gory results of a battle between racially distinct factions, characterized by their opposing jaguar and bird insignia. The two central Bird figures that remain standing are shown as captives, and in both cases they are attired in elaborate costumes that include diagnostic items of female clothing, including thequechquemitlcape and long skirt. Other figures are nude or are shown in simple male costumes, including themaxtlatlloincloth. This paper considers arguments of whether the two central figures were biological females, or rather, that the presence of female apparel on male actors was used within a context of conquest, symbolically transmitted through a gender ideology of male dominance and female subordination. While the evidence is inconclusive, we employ a contextual analysis of pre-Columbian pictorial manuscripts and Mexican cosmology to argue that these individuals were female. Furthermore, we suggest that the elaborate costume elements associated with these female figures, and their recurrence with the Jaguar Lord 3 Deer Antler “Tlaloc mask,” indicates that this was a noblewoman destined for marriage as a means of binding the Jaguar and Bird dynasties. Thus the Battle Mural depicts the capture of the “founding queen,” with the subsequent union demonstrated by the complementary depictions of Jaguar and Bird lords on Building A.
What Can Be Learned by Estimating Human Energy Costs?
Authors: Drennan Robert D.
Published: October 2008

Archaeologists have estimated the human energy costs of various undertakings. Confusion has arisen about the notion of energy “profits”–what must be included in their calculation and what we can learn from such calculations. When it comes to assessing the contribution to sociopolitical hierarchy building of energy profits derived from long-distance transport of food staples, it is the energy expended (both in transport and acquisition of the food staples) that matters. The source of the food that produces the human energy so expended is immaterial. What may be learned from such calculations is whether attempts to understand certain behaviors in terms of economic “rationality” succeed or not.