bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consortium analysis of 7 candidate SNPs for ovarian cancer
Authors: Ramus Susan J. , Vierkant Robert A. , Johnatty Sharon E. , Pike Malcolm C. , Van Den Berg David J. , Wu Anna H. , Pearce Celeste Leigh , Menon Usha , Gentry‐Maharaj Aleksandra , Gayther Simon A. , DiCioccio Richard A. , McGuire Valerie , Whittemore Alice S. , Song Honglin , Easton Douglas F. , Pharoah Paul D.P. , Garcia‐Closas Montserrat , Chanock Stephen , Lissowska Jolanta , Brinton Louise , Terry Kathryn L. , Cramer Daniel W. , Tworoger Shelley S. , Hankinson Susan E. , Berchuck Andrew , Moorman Patricia G. , Schildkraut Joellen M. , Cunningham Julie M. , Liebow Mark , Kjaer Susanne Krüger , Hogdall Estrid , Hogdall Claus , Blaakaer Jan , Ness Roberta B. , Moysich Kirsten B. , Edwards Robert P. , Carney Michael E. , Lurie Galina , Goodman Marc T. , Wang‐Gohrke Shan , Kropp Silke , Chang‐Claude Jenny , Webb Penelope M. , Chen Xiaoqing , Beesley Jonathan , Chenevix‐Trench Georgia , Goode Ellen L.
Published: April 2008

The Ovarian Cancer Association Consortium selected 7 candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), for which there is evidence from previous studies of an association with variation in ovarian cancer or breast cancer risks. The SNPs selected for analysis were F31I (rs2273535) in AURKA, N372H (rs144848) in BRCA2, rs2854344 in intron 17 of RB1, rs2811712 5′ flanking CDKN2A, rs523349 in the 3′ UTR of SRD5A2, D302H (rs1045485) in CASP8 and L10P (rs1982073) in TGFB1. Fourteen studies genotyped 4,624 invasive epithelial ovarian cancer cases and 8,113 controls of white non‐Hispanic origin. A marginally significant association was found for RB1 when all studies were included [ordinal odds ratio (OR) 0.88 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.79–1.00) p = 0.041 and dominant OR 0.87 (95% CI 0.76–0.98) p = 0.025]; when the studies that originally suggested an association were excluded, the result was suggestive although no longer statistically significant (ordinal OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.79–1.06). This SNP has also been shown to have an association with decreased risk in breast cancer. There was a suggestion of an association for AURKA, when one study that caused significant study heterogeneity was excluded [ordinal OR 1.10 (95% CI 1.01–1.20) p = 0.027; dominant OR 1.12 (95% CI 1.01–1.24) p = 0.03]. The other 5 SNPs in BRCA2, CDKN2A, SRD5A2, CASP8 and TGFB1 showed no association with ovarian cancer risk; given the large sample size, these results can also be considered to be informative. These null results for SNPs identified from relatively large initial studies shows the importance of replicating associations by a consortium approach. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vitro bioactivity of melt‐derived glass 46S6 doped with magnesium
Authors: Dietrich Elodie , Oudadesse Hassane , Lucas‐Girot Anita , Mami Mohamed
Published: April 2008

Melt‐derived glasses in the system SiO2‐CaO‐Na2O‐P2O5 were synthesized pure or doped with magnesium from 0.4 to 1.2 wt %, for applications as biomaterials in bony surgery. This chemical element has been chosen because of its high physiological interest. Its introduction for different contents in melt derived glasses has never been studied. The bioactivity of glasses was assessed by immersion of the samples in the simulated body fluid solution. Changes in glass surface morphology and composition after immersion were evaluated by several physico‐chemical techniques. The aim of this work was to characterize the formation of the apatite‐like layer at the glass surface, after in vitro assays and to evaluate the kinetic reaction between the glass and the surrounding synthetic fluids. Results indicate that magnesium influences the formation and the evolution of the newly formed layers: (1) it promotes the dissolution of the silica network, (2) it increases the thickness of the silica gel layer formed conventionally prior to the apatite‐like layer, and (3) it slows down the crystallization of the apatite layer. However, the intensity of these effects depends on the content of magnesium introduced in the glass matrix. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Improvement of metal and tissue adhesion on surface‐modified parylene C
Authors: Wahjudi Paulin N. , Oh Jin H. , Salman Salam O. , Seabold Jason A. , Rodger Damien C. , Tai Yu‐Chong , Thompson Mark E.
Published: April 2008

A general method for chemical surface functionalization of parylene C [PC, (para‐CH2‐C6H3Cl‐CH2‐)n] films is reported. Friedel‐Crafts acylation is used to activate the surface of the PC film, and the resulting carbonyl groups are then used to form a range of different organic functional groups to the surface of the parylene film, including alcohol, imine, thiol, phthalimide, amine, and maleimide. The presence of these functional groups on the parylene surface was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Static water drop contact angle measurements were also used to demonstrate the changes in hydrophilicity of the PC film surface, consistent with each of the surface modifications. Enhanced metal (gold) adhesion was achieved by anchoring a thiol group onto the acylated surface of PC film. Acylation of parylene with 2‐chloropropionyl chloride gave a surface bound chloropropionyl group. Grafting of poly‐N‐isopropylacrylamide (pNIPAM) onto the chloropropionyl substituted PC film via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) was carried out. The grafted pNIPAM on the parylene surface leads to temperature‐dependent cellular tissue adhesion on the PC film. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
A new generation of high flex life polyurethane urea for polymer heart valve—Studies on in vivo biocompatibility and biodurability
Authors: Thomas Vinoy , Jayabalan Muthu
Published: April 2008

Development of new generation high flex life polyurethane urea (HFL18‐PU) with appropriate elastic modulus, biocompatibility, blood compatibility, resistant to calcification, and biodurability for the long‐term use as cardiac device is still a challenge. This study reports the development of a fully aliphatic, ether‐free physically cross‐linked and low elastic modulus (6.841 ± 0.27 MPa) polyurethane urea having in vivo biostability, in vivo biocompatibility and high flex‐life (721 ± 30 million cycles) that can satisfy the requirements for the fabrication of tri‐leaflet heart valve. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Biological response to micron‐ and nanometer‐sized particles known as potential wear products from artificial hip joints: Part I: Selection and characterization of model particles
Authors: Gemeinert M. , Dörfel I. , Griepentrog M. , Gross U. , Klaffke D. , Knabe C. , Kranz I. , Österle W.
Published: April 2008

The aim of this work was to select and characterize model particles, which correspond to real wear products from artificial hip joints, and to investigate the dispersing behavior of these powders. Commercially available nano and microparticles of corundum, graphite, and chromium oxide were selected or alternatively self‐produced by milling. These powders were characterized regarding density, specific surface area, crystalline phases, particle size distributions and shape. Volume‐based particle size distributions Q3(d) were measured after dispersing in water, water with dispersant, Ringers solution, and cell culture solution (Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM)) by laser diffraction and ultrasonic spectroscopy. Nanopowders formed agglomerates in the micrometer range in cell culture solutions. The micropowders showed only a marginal agglomeration. The median diameters of the dispersed nanopowders were even bigger than those of micropowders. Calculations of the number‐based size distribution Q0(d) showed that in spite of the agglomeration the predominant number of the nano and microparticles is in the sub micrometer range, with only one exception, the micrographite powder. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Apparent conversion of adhesive resin in the hybrid layer, Part II: In situ studies of the resin‐dentin bond
Authors: Zou Yuan , Jessop Julie L. P. , Armstrong Steven R.
Published: April 2008

Penetration and conversion of adhesives into the hybrid layer (HL) is important to the quality and longevity of the adhesive resin (AR)‐dentin bond. In this study, a methodology is developed to examine the degree of conversion and relative HEMA concentration with respect to Bis‐GMA using Raman spectroscopy. This methodology will be used in the future reports related to this topic. Conversion in the AR of water‐stored resin‐dentin samples (84% ± 3%) agreed well with that measured in commercial adhesive (Comm Adh) resin samples after 24‐h water storage (80% ± 2% from Part 1) and was significantly higher than Comm Adh without water storage (58% ± 3% from Part 1) (p = 0.0005). Adhesive conversion was not significantly different (p = 0.5036) through the middle of the HL, with a mean of 83% ± 6%. HEMA mole fraction, relative to Bis‐GMA, was significantly higher (p = 0.0028) in the top half of the HL (0.67 ± 0.03), when compared to HEMA in the AR (0.60 ± 0.01). HEMA and EDMAB were identified through GC/MS as leachable components in the aqueous 24‐h storage media. The effect of this elution explains the change in conversion measurements observed between dry and water‐stored conditions, which is more appropriately described as the “apparent” conversion. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Development of a new poly(ethylene glycol)‐graft‐poly(D,L‐lactic acid) as potential drug carriers
Authors: Pan Jun , Zhao Mingmei , Liu Ying , Wang Bin , Mi Li , Yang Li
Published: April 2008

A new poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)‐modified poly(D,L‐lactic acid) (PLA) was synthesized by grafting maleic anhydride onto PLA and subsequently amidating with O,O'‐bis‐(2‐aminopropyl) polypropylene glycol‐block‐polyethylene oxide‐block‐polypropylene glycol (H2 N‐PEG‐NH2, Mw: 600). Its structure was confirmed by FTIR, DSC, 1H NMR, GPC, and ninhydrin test. The polymer is more hydrophilic compared with PLA according to contact angle tests, and is degradable as determined from its pH and mass changes during degradation. The polymer shows a 62.7% decrease in BSA absorption compared with PLA when dried in air, and a 82.76% decrease when dried under 65% humidity, as measured by fluorospectrophotometry. The polymer promotes adhesion and proliferation of osteoblasts, determined by MTT assay. With this new polymer, spherical nanoscale aggregates encapsulated with or without hydrophilic dye are formed spontaneously in water, visualized by inverted microscope and AFM. The particle size is concentration dependent as confirmed by dynamic light scattering, and its critical micelle concentration was 1.124 μg/mL as determined by a fluorescence method. The good hydrophilicity, degradability, cellular compatibility, protein‐resistance, self‐aggregation, and reactivity of the polymer may lead to its potential applications in drug delivery. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Encapsulated Staphylococcus aureus strains vary in adhesiveness assessed by atomic force microscopy
Authors: Coldren Faith M. , Palavecino Elizabeth L. , Levi‐Polyachenko Nicole H. , Wagner William D. , Smith Thomas L. , Smith Beth P. , Webb Lawrence X. , Carroll David L.
Published: April 2008

Staphylococcus aureus capsular polysaccharides are believed to play a role in adhesion to surfaces and may contribute to their antimicrobial resistance, thereby increasing the rates and severity of associated infections. The purpose of this study was to compare the adhesiveness of distinct S. aureus capsular polysaccharides to determine whether adhesiveness was a general or specific feature across different S. aureus strains. Atomic force microscopy was used to confirm the presence or absence of capsular polysaccharides and to measure adhesive forces on a noncapsulated, serotype 8, and serotype 2 strain of S. aureus. Serotype 8 displayed a larger range of adhesive forces (1–19 nN) than the noncapsulated (0–4 nN) and serotype 2 (0–4 nN) strain. The majority of adhesive forces for serotype 8 were in the 10–15 nN range. Removal of capsular polysaccharides gave a marked decrease in adhesive forces measured for serotype 8 and, to a lesser extent, a decrease for serotype 2. Noncapsulated, serotype 8, and serotype 2 S. aureus had water contact angles of 23.8 (±8.9), 34.4 (±2.5), and 56.7 (±11.2) degrees (mean ± standard deviation), respectively. For the first time, capsular polysaccharides from serotype 8 (clinically common) and serotype 2 (clinically rare) were demonstrated to have different physical properties, which may account for variations in studies in which clinical isolates are utilized, and the conflict in proposed roles for capsular polysaccharides on S. aureus is explained. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
In vitro characterization of hepatocyte growth factor release from PHBV/PLGA microsphere scaffold
Authors: Zhu Xin Hao , Wang Chi‐Hwa , Tong Yen Wah
Published: April 2008

Polymer scaffolds which can support cells to grow as well as deliver growth factors to the cells simultaneously have great potential for the successful regeneration of failed tissues. As popularly used vehicles to deliver anti‐cancer drugs and growth factors, microspheres also show many advantages as substrates to guide the growth of cells. Therefore, we aimed to examine the feasibility of using microspheres as ideal scaffolds for liver tissue engineering. To determine the capabilities of previously used microsphere scaffold to deliver growth factors simultaneously, this work investigated a long‐term (about three months) release of bovine serum albumin (BSA) from microsphere scaffolds fabricated by using two different polymers, poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV, 8% PHV), poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) acid (PLGA, 5050) and a blend of PLGA and PHBV. BSA served as a model for hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) since both proteins have similar molecular weights and hydrophilicity. Furthermore, HGF was encapsulated into the PLGA/PHBV composite microsphere with a core‐shell structure, and sustained delivery of HGF with maintained bioactivity was achieved for at least 40 days. The moderate degradation rate (about 55% loss of the initial mass) and well‐preserved structure after three months of incubation indicated that the PLGA/PHBV composite microspheres would therefore be more suitable than the pure PHBV or PLGA microspheres as a scaffold for engineering liver tissue. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Brainstorming an audit
Authors: Bean LuAnn
Published: April 2008

Auditors are now required to conduct brainstorming sessions, as mandated in Statement on Auditing Standards (SAS) No. 99 and SAS No. 109. The goal is for audit team members to generate ideas about how and where fraud might be occurring—and how to detect it.

But how do you conduct an effective brainstorming session? The author explores that question, suggests ways to customize the process, and offers questions auditors should address. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Internal controls: Strategies for smaller companies
Authors: Singleton Tommie
Published: April 2008

Internal controls are not just the concern of auditors. Over the past two decades, a series of financial frauds elevated the importance and scope of internal controls—especially for management.

Managers struggling to improve internal controls, however, should see them as more than just an intricate maze or a headache. Internal controls can benefit management in several ways.

But there are obstacles to making substantial improvements to internal controls—even if management is convinced that is needed. And the obstacles are bigger for smaller companies, or when resources are limited due to the economy, lean budgets, and so forth. So what can management do? The author offers some answers. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
There are 1,132,835,421,602,062,347 nonisomorphic one‐factorizations of K14
Authors: Kaski Petteri , Östergård Patric R. J.
Published: April 2008

We establish by means of a computer search that a complete graph on 14 vertices has 98,758,655,816,833,727,741,338,583,040 distinct and 1,132,835,421,602,062,347 nonisomorphic one‐factorizations. The enumeration is constructive for the 10,305,262,573 isomorphism classes that admit a nontrivial automorphism. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs 17: 147–159, 2009
Overexpression of TRPC3 reduces the content of intracellular calcium stores in HEK‐293 cells
Authors: Löf Christoffer , Blom Tomas , Törnquist Kid
Published: April 2008

The mammalian canonical transient receptor channels (TRPCs) are considered to be candidates for store‐operated calcium channels (SOCCs). Many studies have addressed how TRPC3 channels are affected by depletion of intracellular calcium stores. Conflicting results have been shown for TRPC3 regarding its function, and this has been linked to its level of expression in various systems. In the present study, we have investigated how overexpression of TRPC3 interferes with the regulation of intracellular calcium stores. We demonstrate that overexpression of TRPC3 reduces the mobilization of calcium in response to stimulation of the cells with thapsigargin (TG) or the G‐protein coupled receptor agonist sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P). Our results indicate that this is the result of the expression of TRPC3 channels in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), thus depleting ER calcium stores. OAG evoked calcium entry in cells overexpressing TRPC3, indicating that functional TRPC3 channels were also expressed in the plasma membrane. Taken together, our results show that overexpression of the putative SOCC, TRPC3, actually reduces the calcium content of intracellular stores, but does not enhance agonist‐evoked or store‐dependent calcium entry. Our results may, in part, explain the conflicting results obtained in previous studies on the actions of TRPC3 channels. J. Cell. Physiol. 216: 245–252, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intramuscular and subcutaneous sparganosis: Sonographic findings
Authors: Kim Hee Young , Kang Chang Ho , Kim Jung Hyuk , Lee Soon‐Hyuck , Park Si Young , Cho Sung Weon
Published: April 2008

A case of subcutaneous and intramuscular sparganosis was confirmed on surgical excision of a worm in a 60‐year‐old woman suffering from painful masses in the right thigh. Sonography and MRI revealed an ill‐defined intramuscular lesion and multiple cystic lesions in the subcutaneous tissue. At the time of the excision, a sparganum larva was found in the adductor longus muscle. If an intramuscular mass with a serpiginous cystic tract is seen on imaging studies in an endemic area, musculoskeletal sparganosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of a soft tissue tumor. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2008
Sonography of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans of the groin
Authors: Kau Thomas , Lesnik Gerald , Arnold Gerald , Hausegger Klaus Armin
Published: April 2008

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is an uncommon tumor that arises from the dermis of adults. Its malignant potential is considered to be intermediate. Because the diagnosis of DFSP can frequently be suspected on the basis of physical examination reports on its sonographic appearance are rare. We report a case that highlights the value of sonography in assessing the subcutaneous extent of DFSP. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2008
Solifenacin‐induced small bowel pseudo‐obstruction
Authors: Pemmaraju Naveen , Feldman Leonard S.
Published: April 2008

An 89‐year‐old woman was admitted to Johns Hopkins Hospital with a small bowel obstruction and symptoms of urinary retention. She had been started on solfenacin for bladder overactivity 10 days prior to her presentation. Withdrawal of the solfenacin resulted in a full recovery, which has persisted for greater than 6 months without surgical intervention. This is the first reported case report of small bowel pseudo‐obstruction due to solifenacin. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2008;3:176–178. © 2008 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Cost effectiveness of an inpatient influenza immunization assessment and delivery program for children with asthma
Authors: Teufel Ronald J. , Basco William T. , Simpson Kit N.
Published: April 2008

BACKGROUND:

Influenza is common in children. Children with asthma are underimmunized. The Centers for Disease Control recommends immunization in an acute‐care hospital setting.

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to determine the potential clinical benefit and cost savings of delivering influenza vaccination to hospitalized children with asthma.

DESIGN:

The study was designed as a decision and cost‐effectiveness analyses. A decision tree was constructed to represent an intervention to assess and deliver influenza vaccinations to hospitalized pediatric patients with asthma. A literature survey provided estimates for the decision tree assumptions. In the decision analysis, various rates of screening for influenza vaccine status were investigated to determine the effects on final up‐to‐date (UTD) status in a hypothetical cohort. The cost‐effectiveness analysis was used to determine potential cost savings resulting from the modeled increase in UTD status.

MEASUREMENTS:

The percentage of children ultimately becoming UTD, direct and indirect costs, and cost savings of the intervention were measured.

RESULTS:

With existing data showing that only 29% of asthmatics receive the influenza vaccine in a given year, our decision analysis demonstrated that even modest increases in the screening rate for influenza vaccine status among hospitalized patients with asthma can result in clinically significant increases in UTD status. For example, screening just 20% of those with asthma who are hospitalized would result in 35% ultimately being UTD for that influenza season; and 100% screening would result in 59% being UTD. The cost savings for this intervention would be $5.45/child assessed and $9.19/child vaccinated. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated the results to be robust and generalizable.

CONCLUSIONS:

An intervention to improve the assessment and delivery of influenza vaccination to hospitalized pediatric asthmatics would improve clinical outcomes and result in cost savings. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2008;3:134–141. © 2008 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Functional recovery after spinal cord injury in mice through activation of microglia and dendritic cells after IL‐12 administration
Authors: Yaguchi Masae , Ohta Shigeki , Toyama Yoshiaki , Kawakami Yutaka , Toda Masahiro
Published: April 2008

We have previously reported that the transplantation of dendritic cells (DCs) brings about functional recovery after spinal cord injury in mice through the activation of endogenous microglia/macrophages and neural stem/progenitor cells. In this study, the effect of interleukin‐12 (IL‐12), which is secreted from DCs, was evaluated for the treatment of spinal cord injury in mice. Administration of IL‐12 into the injured site significantly increased the number of activated microglia/macrophages and DCs as well as the expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor surrounding the lesion site. Immunohistochemical analyses showed that de novo neurogenesis and remyelination were induced by IL‐12 treatment. Furthermore, an open field test using Basso‐Beattie‐Brenham scoring revealed a significant improvement of locomotor function in mice treated with IL‐12. These results suggest that IL‐12 administration into the injured spinal cord results in a functional recovery through the activation of microglia/macrophages and DCs. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Polarization‐sensitive CARS spectroscopy on free‐base porphyrins: coproporphyrin I tetramethyl ester
Authors: Koster J. , Schlücker S.
Published: April 2008

The application of polarization‐sensitive (PS) coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) spectroscopy for the investigation of highly luminescent free‐base porphyrins under Qx band resonance is discussed. For coproporphyrin I tetramethyl ester (CP‐I‐TME), PS CARS spectra involving resonances with the electronic Qx absorption band as well as polarized spontaneous Raman spectra involving B band resonance are presented. A quantitative evaluation of the CP‐I‐TME spectra is performed and the results are compared to our previously presented data on free‐base octaethylporphine (OEP) and mesoporphyrin IX dimethyl ester (MP‐IX‐DME), which were obtained under identical excitation conditions. This comprehensive analysis reveals several spectral differences that can be attributed to the different β–substitution pattern of the porphyrin macrocycle. Additionally, the strong resonance enhancement of totally symmetric modes under Qx band excitation is identified as a common property for OEP, CP‐I‐TME, and MP‐IX‐DME; this enhancement selectivity distinguishes the investigated substances from what is generally observed for metallo porphyrins. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The colours of Etruscan painting: a study on the Tomba dell'Orco in the necropolis of Tarquinia
Authors: Sodo Armida , Artioli Domenico , Botti Alberto , De Palma Giovanna , Giovagnoli Annamaria , Mariottini Maurizio , Paradisi Alessandra , Polidoro Costantino , Ricci Maria Antonietta
Published: April 2008

The Tomba dell'Orco is one of the most beautiful and richly decorated tombs in the Etruscan necropolis of Tarquinia (Lazio, Italy). The necropolis extends over a wide hill territory of 750 ha; in particular, this tomb is situated on a hill close to the modern cemetery of Tarquinia. The tomb was discovered in 1868 and it is composed of two distinct sepulchral rooms, dating back to the beginning and the end of 4th century B.C., respectively. The biggest and more recent room is the object of our investigation. Although this tomb has been intensively studied in the past for purposes of restoration and conservation, a scientific report has never been published. During the last restoration (2001), several scientific investigations were performed in order to characterise the materials and technique of execution of the mural paintings. In this study, we report the Raman and EDXRF measurements carried out to identify the colour palette. In some cases, to confirm and clarify some results, it was necessary to work on cross‐sections, to analyse the composition of the different layers. Mixtures of ochre and cinnabar were found on the body of the painted figures, while only red ochre was used for decorative elements. Orpiment and yellow ochre were used as yellow pigments. It was also possible to recognise calcite‐ and copper‐based pigments for white and green‐blue decorations, respectively. Evidences of Egyptian Blue were also found. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Executive compensation and firm performance: adjustment dynamics, non‐linearity and asymmetry
Authors: Canarella Giorgio , Nourayi Mahmoud M.
Published: April 2008

The relationship between executive compensation and firm performance is a field of intense theoretical and empirical research. The purpose of this study is to gain additional insights into the nature of this relationship by examining empirically the relatively unexplored areas of its dynamics of adjustment, as well as its non‐linearity. The findings of this study show strong evidence in support of the view that (a) executive compensation is characterized by a dynamic process of adjustment, and (b) the relationship between executive compensation and firm performance is non‐linear and asymmetric. Additionally, the structure of asymmetry is found to be dependent on the measure of performance. Convexity characterizes the asymmetry of the relationship between executive compensation and market returns, while concavity distinguishes the asymmetry of the relationship between executive compensation and accounting returns. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Semi‐classical analysis for the nonlinear Schrödinger equation with potential
Authors: Carles Rémi
Published: April 2008

We describe the semi‐classical limit for solutions of the defocusing nonlinear Schrödinger equation in the presence of an external potential in several régimes. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optimizing system performance in the event of feedback failure
Authors: Chakraborty Debraj , Hammer Jacob
Published: April 2008

The problem of maintaining acceptable performance of a perturbed control system during a disruption of the feedback signal is addressed. The objective is to maximize the time during which performance remains within desirable bounds without feedback, given that the parameters of the controlled system are within a specified neighborhood of their nominal values. The existence of an optimal open‐loop controller that achieves this objective is proved. It is also shown that a bang‐bang input can approximate the performance of the optimal controller. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Approximation properties of trigonometric finite wave elements
Authors: Heubeck B. , Pflaum C.
Published: April 2008

In this paper we analyze the approximation properties of Trigonometric Finite Wave Elements (TFWE). These Finite Elements were developed for solving Helmholtz equation and Schrödinger equation with respect to special applications, e.g. for simulating resonators with internal reflections occurring in Distributed Feedback (DFB) lasers and other laser types. We emphasize the advantages of the TFWE in comparison to standard bilinear Finite Elements (FE). (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Mechanical integrators for mixed elements in nonlinear elastodynamics
Authors: Müller Melanie , Betsch Peter
Published: April 2008

Enhanced assumed strain (EAS) elements (see, for example, [1]) are well‐known to exhibit improved convergence behavior, especially in the context of bending dominated situations and in the incompressible limit. In the present work we focus on the application of EAS elements to nonlinear elastodynamics. In particular, we aim at the design of energy‐momentum schemes for the stable numerical integration of the semi‐discrete equations of motion. For this purpose we make use of the notion of a G‐equivariant discrete derivative introduced by Gonzalez [2] in the framework of general finite‐dimensional Hamiltonian systems with symmetry. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Why does the positive regulation in bacteriophage λ affect isomerization of the RNAP‐DNA complex?
Authors: Patterson Kate , Gedeon Tomáš , Mischaikow Konstantin , Traldi Eliane
Published: April 2008

We use a model due to Santillán and Mackey, which is based on the Ackers chemical equilibrium description of the promoter binding by the regulatory factors, to show that the stability of the phage λ lysogen will be severely compromised if CI had a 10‐fold effect on KB and no effect on k. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Representation of preference orderings on Lp‐spaces by integral functionals: discounting, continuity and TAS utility
Authors: Sagara Nobusumi
Published: April 2008

This paper presents an axiomatic approach in a continuous time framework for representing preference orderings on Lp ‐spaces in terms of integral functionals. We show that if preference orderings on Lp ‐spaces satisfy continuity, separability, sensitivity, substitutability, additivity and lower boundedness, then there exists a utility function for the preference orderings such that the utility function is an integral functional with an upper semicontinuous integrand satisfying the growth condition. Moreover, if the preference orderings satisfy the continuity with respect to the weak topology of Lp ‐spaces, then the integrand is a concave integrand. As a result, time additive separable (TAS) utility functions with constant discount rates are obtained. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Influence of eddies on heat transfer in Couette flow over undulated substrates
Authors: Scholle M. , Thompson H. M. , Aksel Nuri , Gaskell P. H.
Published: April 2008

In Couette flows over undulated substrates eddies can be generated under creeping flow conditions. In contrast to free surface flows on undulated substrates even smooth bottom undulations allow for eddy generation due to the kinematical constraints. The subject of our paper is how these flow patterns interact with the temperature field in non–isothermal flows.

Our analysis of the thermo–mechanical coupling is focused on the two dominant effects, namely convection and thermoviscosity, whereas dissipation heat, buoyancy and temperature–dependence of the remaining material parameters are neglected.

We solve the problem in two steps: First, the influence of the eddies on the convective heat transfer is considered by solving the heat conduction equation with convection. For the velocity field we take the solution resulting analytically from Reynolds' lubrication approximation for the isothermal flow. The thermoviscous feedback of the resulting temperature field to the flow is considered in forthcoming papers.

For the construction of the solution an analytical approach based on a nonorthogonal series representation of the fundamental fields and a variational formulation of the field equations is used. The results are visualised and the physical effects they reveal are discussed. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Numerical method for the KdV–Kawahara and Benney–Lin equations
Authors: Sepúlveda Mauricio , Vera Octavio
Published: April 2008

We are concerned with the initial‐boundary‐value problem associated to the Korteweg – de Vries – Kawahara (KdVK) equation and Benney – Lin (BL) equation, which are transport equations perturbed by dispersive terms of 3rd and 5th order and a term of 4th order in the case of (BL) equation. These equations appear in several fluid dynamics problems. We obtain local smoothing effects that are uniform with respect to the size of the interval. We also propose a simple finite‐difference scheme for the problem and prove its stability. Finally, we give some numerical examples. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Controllability of perturbed nonlinear stochastic integrodifferential systems
Authors: Karthikeyan Shanmugasundaram
Published: April 2008

The purpose of this paper is to establish the sufficient conditions concerning the complete controllability of stochastic integrodifferential systems in finite dimensional spaces by using the Banach fixed point theorem. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Finite volume simulation of blood flow through complete bypass models
Authors: Vimmr Jan , Jonášová Alena
Published: April 2008

The presented study introduces the problem of steady blood flow through various idealized bypass models in dependence on several geometrical and flow parameters. The changes in hemodynamics are observed with regard to the occurrence of intimal hyperplasia at the distal anastomosis, which is known to be the main reason for late bypass failure. All numerical simulations were performed using the own developed computational software based on the finite volume method. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
New rapid validated HPTLC method for the determination of galanthamine in Amaryllidaceae plant extracts
Authors: Abou‐Donia Amina H. , Toaima Soad M. , Hammoda Hala M. , Shawky Eman
Published: April 2008

The work reported in this paper aims at developing an accurate, specific, repeatable and robust HPTLC method for the determination of galanthamine in different Amaryllidaceae plant extracts. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel triterpenoid acyl esters and alkaloids from Anoectochilus roxburghii
Authors: Han Mei‐Hua , Yang Xiu‐Wei , Jin Yan‐Ping
Published: April 2008

Two novel sorghumol acyl esters, sorghumol 3‐O‐Z‐p‐coumarate and sorghumol 3‐O‐E‐p‐coumarate, and a novel alkaloid, anoectochine, were isolated from the whole plants of Anoectochilus roxburghii along with one known triterpenoid, sorghumol. Their structures were established by their detailed spectral studies, including two‐dimensional NMR (1H–1H COSY, HSQC and HMBC). Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Crystallization and thermal behavior of multiwalled carbon nanotube/poly(butylenes terephthalate) composites
Authors: Wu Defeng , Wu Liang , Yu Guangcai , Xu Bin , Zhang Ming
Published: April 2008

Multiwalled carbon nanotube/poly(butylene terephthalate) composites (PCTs) were prepared by melt mixing. The nonisothermal crystallization and thermal behavior of PCTs were respectively investigated by X‐ray diffractometer, polarized optical microscope, differential scanning calorimeter, dynamic mechanical thermal analyzer, and thermogravimetric analyzer. The presence of nanotubes has two disparate effects on the crystallization of PBT: the nucleation effect promotes kinetics, while the impeding effect reduces the chain mobility and retards crystallization. The kinetics was then analyzed using Ozawa, Mo, Kissinger, Lauritzen‐Hoffman, and Ziabicki model, and the results reveal that the nucleation effect is always the dominant role on the crystallization of PBT matrix. Thus the crystallizability increases with increase of nanotube loadings. In addition, the presence of nanotubes nearly has no remarkable contribution to thermal stability because nanotubes also play two disparate roles on the degradation of PBT matrix: the Lewis acid sites to facilitate decomposition and the physical hindrance to retard decomposition. Hence the nanotubes act merely as inert‐like filler to thermal stability. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Tocopherol‐targeted membrane adsorbents prepared by hybrid molecular imprinting
Authors: Faizal Che Ku M. , Kobayashi Takaomi
Published: April 2008

A hybrid molecular imprinting technique for a tocopherol target enabled the preparation of novel membrane adsorbents. α‐Tocopherol methacrylate was used as a functional monomer, and molecular imprinted polymer (MIP) was prepared by copolymerization with divinylbenzene. After the copolymer was granulated, several hybrid molecular imprinted membranes (HMIP) containing the polymer powders were prepared by using polymer scaffolds such as polysulfone (PSf), cellulose acetate (CA), and nylon (Ny). All HMIP membranes prepared by the phase inversion technique showed selective binding of α‐tocopherol (α‐Toc) over its derivative, δ‐tocopherol (δ‐Toc). The imprint efficiencies were 0.49 for the MIP powder and 0.60, 0.64, and 0.53 for the PSf, Ny, and CA‐HMIP systems, respectively. These HMIP membranes retained their binding capacity without losing significant selectivity relative to the MIP powder. Our results demonstrated that the α‐Toc‐imprinted sites were responsible for the selective binding of the target molecules by the HMIP membranes. The membranes' binding behavior was analyzed using Scatchard plots; a heterogeneous distribution of binding sites was observed in both the MIP polymer and HMIP membranes. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Influence of dispersed organophilic montmorillonite at nanometer‐scale on crystallization of poly(L‐lactide)
Authors: Fujimori Atsuhiro , Ninomiya Naoya , Masuko Toru
Published: April 2008

We investigated the effects of surface‐treated organophilic clay on the crystallization of poly(L‐lactide) (PLLA) in their hybrids. The natural nano‐clay in PLLA/clay hybrids acts as a heterogeneous nucleating agent to facilitate crystallization. On the contrary, extensive distributions of induction periods for nucleation are observed in the individual spherulites of neat PLLA and PLLA/organophilic clay hybrids. Therefore, it is suggested that nucleation type of neat PLLA and PLLA/organophilic clay hybrids implies nearly growth geometry as a homogeneous one. Further, under the presence of nano‐clay in their composites, PLLA matrix form the orthorhombic lattice structure corresponded to the α‐form crystal. Since this experimental fact implies little effect of the clay particles on polymorphism of PLLA crystal, the nucleating effect of the organophilic clay seems weaker than the natural clay itself. However, an increase in clay content enhances the growth rates of spherulite for hybrids. Consequently, most of hybrids exhibit an increase in overall crystallization rates at any crystallization temperature in spite of relatively lower nucleation rate of PLLA crystallites itself. In addition, the Avrami exponents (n) obtained by relatively low crystallization temperature ranged from 4 to 6, implying that the growth geometry was dominated sheaf‐like structure in early stage of isothermal crystallization. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Alternating fluorene copolymers containing isothianaphthene derivatives: A study of their aggregation properties and small band gap
Authors: Jung Young Kwan , Kim Hyoseok , Park Jong‐Hwa , Lee Jaemin , Lee Sang Kyu , Lee Yoon Sup , Shim Hong‐Ku
Published: April 2008

Several fluorene copolymers containing isothianaphthene units (P1, P2, and P3) or similar derivatives (P4 and P5) have been synthesized by Pd‐catalyzed Suzuki polymerization. The monomers containing isothianaphthene were prepared by a ring‐closure reaction with Lawesson's reagent. Strong photoluminescence (PL) quenching in the film state was observed for P1 and P2, which was mainly due to the enhanced quinoid character formed by introducing the isothianaphthene unit. Their energy levels of the compounds were determined using cyclic voltammetry. Among the polymers tested, the polymer containing both an isothianaphthene and a selenophene unit, P2, showed the smallest band gap of 1.85 eV. The influence of structural variation on the band gap of the polymer chains was further investigated by optimizing the geometries of several model monomers. Our results based on the optical and electrochemical properties combined with theoretical calculations showed that polymers containing isothianaphthene have small band gaps, rigid conformations, and strong tendencies to aggregation. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 3573–3590, 2008
Electro‐optical behavior of ferroelectric liquid crystalline polyphenylene derivatives
Authors: Suda Kiyoshi , Akagi Kazuo
Published: April 2008

Liquid crystalline (LC) polyphenylene derivatives, such as poly(para‐phenylene) (PPP), poly(meta‐phenylene) (PMP), poly(meta‐biphenylene) (PBP), and poly (meta‐terphenylene) (PTP) derivatives, were synthesized through substitution of fluorine‐containing chiral LC groups into side chains, with an aim to develop ferroelectric LC (FLC) conjugated polymers. All the polymers, except PTP, showed enantiotropic liquid crystallinities, where several types of mesophases were observed in both heating and cooling processes. Among them, PPP and PMP derivatives showed chiral smectic C (SC*) phases responsible for ferroelectricity. In fact, they exhibited quick response to electric field, in spite of high viscosities inherent to polymers, giving rise to switching times of less than 1 s between two SC states with reversely directed alignment. Hysteresis loops between the polarization and electric field were also observed for PPP and PMP. The spontaneous polarization (PS) of PMP remained unchanged even after the electric field became zero, affording the residual polarization (PR) whose value was the same as that of PS. This indicates that PMP has a prospective memory function based on FLC nature. The present study is the first report for realizing a quick switching in macroscopic alignment using electric field and also for generating a potential memory function in π‐conjugated polymers. It is elucidated that unusual polymer main chains such as polyphenylenes can be used to prepare new ferroelectric polymers. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 3591–3610, 2008
ROMP based photoinitiator‐coinitiator systems with improved migration stability
Authors: Sandholzer Martina , Schuster Monika , Varga Franz , Liska Robert , Slugovc Christian
Published: April 2008

Nowadays, migration stability is one of the key features for photoinitiators used in radiation curable formulations, especially when the material is in contact with food or the human body. Herein, the synthesis and characterization of statistical copolymers with covalently bound eosin and/or ethyl dimethylamino benzoate units by ring opening metathesis polymerization is presented. The prepared compounds were tested as macroinitiators for the photopolymerization of acrylates aiming at an initiator/coinitiator system which combines good polymerization activity with improved migration stability. An acrylate modified eosin derivative which is incorporated into the polymer network during the photopolymerization reaction and, therefore, less likely to leak from the polymer compound was used as reference. Photoinitiating activities of low and high molecular weight initiators and coinitiators were investigated by photo‐DSC. Moreover, leakage studies and viability tests with osteoblast‐like cells were performed to proof the suitability of this concept. The use of polymeric eosin in combination with a low molecular weight coinitiator was found to be a good compromise when aiming at a photoinitiating system with sound performance and improved migration stability. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 3648–3661, 2008
Polyfluorenes minimally doped with 1,4‐bis(2‐thienyl‐2‐cyanovinyl)benzene chromophore: Their synthesis, characterization, and application to white‐light‐emitting materials
Authors: Hsieh Bar‐Yuan , Chen Yun
Published: April 2008

Copolyfluorenes (PFR1 and PFR2), chemically doped with 0.1 and 0.025 mol % 2,5‐dihexyloxy‐1,4‐bis(2‐thienyl‐2‐cyanovinyl)benzene (MR chromophere) were synthesized by the Suzuki coupling reaction. The PFRs were used to fabricate white‐light‐emitting devices through incomplete energy transfer. Because of the low content of the MR chromophore, the optical, thermal, and electrochemical properties of the PFRs were almost identical to those of polyfluorene, except for their photoluminescent (PL) and electroluminescent (EL) properties. The copolymer films showed PL peaks at about 428 and 570 nm originating from fluorene segments and MR chromophores, respectively. Compared with the model compound (MR), the polymer chains extended the conjugation length of the MR chromophores and exhibited a 20–48 nm red‐shift in the emission band. In addition, the lower LUMO level of the MR (−3.27 eV) was expected to improve the electron injection. The EL devices [ITO/PEDOT:PSS/PFRs/Ca (50 nm)/Al (100 nm)] showed a broad emission band, covering the entire visible region, with chromaticity coordinates of (0.36, 0.35) and (0.32, 0.30) for PFR1 and PFR2 devices, respectively. The emission color of the PFR2 device was very similar to that of a pure white light (0.33, 0.33); and the maximal brightness and current efficiency were 3011 cd/m2 and 1.98 cd/A, respectively, which surpass those found for polyfluorene devices (1005 cd/m2, 0.28 cd/A). A). © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 3703–3713, 2008
A new donor‐acceptor type polymeric material from a thiophene derivative and its electrochromic properties
Authors: Udum Yasemin Arslan , Yildiz Ersin , Gunbas Gorkem , Toppare Levent
Published: April 2008

A new electrochromic polymer, poly(2,3,5,8‐tetra(thiophen‐2‐yl)quinoxaline) (PTTQ), was synthesized electrochemically and its electrochromic properties were investigated. The polymer was characterized by Cyclic Voltammetry, Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy, UV‐Vis‐NIR Spectroscopy, and colorimetry. Spectroelectrochemistry analysis demonstrated that the polymer can undergo both p‐ and true n‐type doping processes. The polymer, (PTTQ), has three accessible color states: an oxidized transmissive, a neutral light bluish‐green, and a reduced transmissive light gray. Switching ability of the polymer was evaluated by kinetic studies. The polymer revealed an excellent optical contrast of 98% in the NIR region. Outstanding optical contrast in the NIR region, high stability and fast switching times make this polymer an excellent candidate for NIR device applications. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 3723–3731, 2008